Lavender Magazine 736

Matt Serwe and Derek Pacula.

Photo by Mike Hnida

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Randy Stern 612-461-8723

Editorial Assistant Linda Raines 612-436-4660

Editor Emeritus Ethan Boatner

Editorial Associate George Holdgrafer

Contributors Linden M. Bayliss, Lakey Bridge, Buer Carlie, Emi Gacaj, Terrance Griep, Elise Maren, Jen PeeblesHampton, Analise Pruni, Linda Raines, Gabrielle Reeder, Alexander Reed, Gregg Shapiro, Aurora Smith, Jamez L. Smith, Susan Swavely, Carla Waldemar, Todd P. Walker

ADVERTISING

Vice President of Sales & Advertising

Barry Leavitt 612-436-4690

Account Executives

Nathan Johnson 612-436-4695

Richard Kranz 612-436-4675

Advertising Associate George Holdgrafer

Sales & Event Administration

Linda Raines 612-436-4660

National Sales Representatives Rivendell Media 212-242-6863

CREATIVE

Creative/Digital Director Mike Hnida 612-436-4679

Photographer Sophia Hantzes

ADMINISTRATION

Publisher Lavender Media, Inc.

President & CEO Stephen Rocheford 612-436-4665

Chief Financial Officer Tracey Mittelstadt 612-436-4664

Administrative Assistant Honora Valentine 612-436-4660

Distribution Metro Periodical Partners 612-281-3249

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)

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There’s More To “Home” Than Meets The Eye

In past issues, I referred to “home” as a con cept and a real part of life. It is more than just a place to rest your head, work, cook, and enjoy life. A destination after time away from it.

We also know how much it takes to create a home. Maintaining it inside and out. Insuring it from disaster. Protecting it from harm. Creat

It’s easy to get conceptual and pithy about “home.” The reality is that it takes a lot to make

No matter what hardware or home improve ment store you show up to on a Saturday morn ing, you’re looking for that one solution to stop a leak at a faucet. You saw a wonderful flower that looks perfectly in your garden or planter and want to see how to maintain it through the season. Your couch has been destroyed by your favorite pet and it bugs you to look at it.

The truth is that these are a part of life.

Our fortress needs to be taken care of. We bring our significant other home in hopes that one doesn’t get too critical about something

come, so they can study and play in your envi-

Our culture is a practical one. LGBTQ+ people know full well how important ”home” is to us. We expect to be safe, secure, and comfortable. If we are not, then we must find a way

If you live somewhere, you have to put in the work to ensure that you can still live there. That’s your reality check for this issue…

Speaking of this issue, we bring you to the home of KSTP-TV’s meteorologist Matt Serwe. He and his husband welcomed us in and let us know about that delicate work-life balance that often escapes us when we’re in the public eye.

If you’re looking for serenity at your home, add a water feature to it. We have some suggestions on how to make your backyard pop with a fountain or a stream inside of it.

Plus, find out more about insuring your home. You don’t want to get caught in a situation where you are not protected from a catastrophe that can create major inconvenience in your life.

Let’s not forget that the Minnesota State Fair is about less than a month away. Our handy guide will help you navigate through one of the state’s biggest gatherings.

Now, make yourselves at home. Relax and

Photo by Randy Stern

A Remembrance of Gardens Gone

BY E.B. BOATNER

A friend’s gift of surplus garden produce worked a bit of Proustian magic the other day. As I stir-fried the green beans and tender yellow squash, the scent of summer, garlic, and goodness whisked me back into time and reverie.

First, into the sixties of the previous century, when Euell Gibbons’ best-seller, Stalking the Wild Asparagus, lured readers to seek their inner-hunter-gatherers, or at least their inner-foragers with modern access to chilled martinis and barbiturates.

Gibbons was not a survivalist, but a naturalist Pied-Piper intent on alerting the populace to the bounties around them, food for the picking in field and forest, along the highways and byways–in their very backyards. Something for nothing is innately American, and soon, by hundreds and thousands, followers were picking and plucking, unearthing little known leaves and tubers, learning to stalk that wild asparagus.

I became an acolyte. I also had access to acreage in western Connecticut, and becoming intrigued myself, began to scour the terrain. My new scavenger-vision spotted a hedgerow of wild Concord grapes, small, but tasty. I gathered, invested

in pectin, canning jars, explored the kitchen, and behold: There was jam!

This led to putting hand to hoe, planting tomatoes, peppers, and so forth, and the creation of numerous large Mason jars of spaghetti sauce, together with the intimate knowledge of just how long a few gallons of spaghetti sauce will serve a household of one…

A blink further back in time: I was eight, patrolling rows of tomato plants with my dad. A shout of “Worm-ho!” and another fearsome four-inch horned worm, bright green, white-spotted, false eye glaring, would be plucked away–another tomato saved. We lived on a residential school campus, and Dad, the Principal, had several acres of fresh corn and tomatoes planted, a small apple orchard tended, to help feed students and staff. These plots required a tractor and workers, so my actual gardening, other than the worm-wrangling, was confined to savoring the aromas of warm earth and plants. Then looking forward to dinner.

The Austrian hills may be alive with music, but the Alabama earth grows rocks. What isn’t, that is, cemented in red clay… My final Proustian flutter found me down South with more garden than I

could handle, and a fellow gardener whose motto was, “Anything worth doing is worth over-doing.”

An acre of front yard split by a 70-foot driveway offered plenty of room for his planned four fourfoot-wide by forty-foot-long raised beds overhung by arched tomato trellises. After the backhoe man had removed the clay and (some of) the rocks, and the raised beds had been filled with imported, gardenable dirt, we were on our way.

If a few gallons of spaghetti will last the siege of Troy, I leave the math of this plot’s potential to the reader. A few tips: If neighbors realize you’re manufacturing zucchini on this scale, they will build gated fences and shun your caller ID. On the other hand, you cannot plant enough spinach to fill a 12” skillet. It takes a village for a household to have spinach for dinner. I did, I must confess, for once, have all the Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes I could consume.

I now live alone tending only beginner Bonsai on my windowsill, but I’ll call my gardener neighbor and volunteer to consume future surplus. I welcome another reverie, and I’ll gladly revisit those tubs of salted Sweet 100s. I live to serve…It’s just my way. 

Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Associates

PHOTOS BY SOPHIA HANTZES

RIP Dan Mendez of Twin Cities Pride

John Arens Insurance Agency, Inc.

BY LINDA RAINES

Business name: John Arens Insurance Agency Inc.

Your name: John Arens

Job title: Agency owner

Give us a brief overview of your business and what services you provide the community: I provide an old fashion insurance experience. I am proud to provide auto, home, life and disability products from State Farm insurance

How many years have you been in business: 28 great years!

What’s something unique we should know about your business: I’m available on my cell anytime (612) 267-7696. I’m not a call center or a person who has no idea where Minneapolis is! My advice, quotes and service are free.

What is your favorite thing about your job: I love to discuss your future plans and dreams. If you’re disabled or deceased, life and disability insurance will make sure your lifestyle and dreams can still go on as you planed.

What’s the best thing about working with the LGBTQ community: We focus on understanding and compassion and we desire to help all of my clients.

Does your business have anything new fun or unique happening on the horizon: I have three full-time licensed agents working for me. We are growing and have an open position! Apply today!

If you weren’t doing your current job what would you be doing: I can’t imagine doing anything else! 

Photo courtesy of John Arens

Farm To Table

BY CARLA WALDEMAR

My grandparents—long gone—had never entered a restaurant in their lives: Why waste your hard-earned money to gussy up in scratchy Sunday outfits to eat a meal (which which fork?) served by somebody not your kin, who could instantly spot you as a hayseed straight off the Back Forty? No, thank you! They’d far more enjoy home cooking built on, say, a pig they’d raised and veggies fresh from the garden.

My grandparents—long gone—had never entered a restaurant in their lives: Why waste your hard-earned money to gussy up in scratchy Sunday outfits to eat a meal (which which fork?) served by somebody not your kin, who could instantly spot you as a hayseed straight off the Back Forty? No, thank you! They’d far more enjoy home cooking built on, say, a pig they’d raised and veggies fresh from the garden.

Today when their grandkids tire of sushi, tacos and goat cheese pizza, they can simply head to Farmers Kitchen & Bar, just steps from the Guthrie Theater and Saturdays’ Mill City farmers market, to enjoy the kind of hearty, wholesome victuals that Grandma cooked for Sunday dinner….and more. But not to worry: the menu promises updates on those kitchen classics, such as the kitchen’s meatballs.

Oh, those meatballs! Here, that home-cooking standby—plump and juicy as you please, browned with a quick saute— are composed of bison and wild rice (plus a bit of pork, for fat and flavor, I’d guess) and served with a suave swoosh of rosemary cream sauce flecked with herbs. They’re terrific to pick on while savoring a glass of wine ($10-14), a Minnesota brewski ($6-12) or signature Minnesota-rooted cocktail, such as my Old Fashioned ($15), built upon local Tattersall rye. They provide a grand pre- or post-theater nibble in a serving meant for sharing. Or munch on the excellent cheese platter ($18), more than a meal for two saluting a rotating trio of Minnesota cheeses, fruit, crackers, rounds of baguette, and some sweet-tart lingonberry jam for accent, along with local honey.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with a lunch visit, where the Shore Lunch sandwich ($17) caught my attention. It stars a meaty walleye fillet, moist and tender beneath the tempurastyle batter it wore in the deep-fryer. It joins bits of lettuce, tomato, lightly-pickled cucumber rounds and an unassuming tartar sauce on a ciabatta bun of little consequence. It’s served with a heap of chips which nobody at adjoining tables touched, either: wiser to up-spend for a side salad or the cafe’s yummy jo-jo potatoes. (Still, even without that upgrade, the sandwich, with tax included rang up at $22—a bit spendy for what’s in front of you.)

A hot roast beef sandwich incorporated juice-licked, tender, tasty shreds of short rib abetted by grilled onions and a light horseradish sauce on the same ciabatta bun, also $22 on your check. On previous visits, I’ve also enjoyed the huge, meal-size salads on offer—wild rice Waldorf; fried chicken in buttermilk dressing; and a lighter beet-walnut-goat cheese presentation ($14-18 range).

During lunch, the drill involves placing and paying for your order at the counter; it’s then delivered to your table, to which you’ve trucked your own water glass and silverware.

By evening, the café segues into a full-service restaurant, with waitstaff to take and deliver orders. In addition to the all-day soup/sandwich/salad fare, half a dozen entrees debut after 5 P.M., including that tasty walleye, this time served with rice, veggies and “garden” butter (whatever that is).

On my recent visit, the kitchen was sold out of the Wild Acres roast chicken, served with zucchini pancakes, apple relish, veggies and pan gravy, $25. So we opted for the Harvest Bowl: a bounteous heap of chopped veggies and field greens, adeptly timed in their cooking and then sided with a perky tomato jam (and pesto, says the menu. But we couldn’t locate it; nor could our server when examining our bowl).

A strip steak ($32), a swell-sounding pasta preparation ($18) and a “summer schnitzel” stepped up as nightly specials. We ordered the schnitzel, which brought us a thin, robustly breaded and overcooked strip of pork—a distant cousin of the hearty and lightly coated schnitzels I’ve enjoyed in Germany. It’s accompanied by a pleasant, mild garlic puree, sauteed summer squash, butter-braised radish slices, epazote (hard to scent) and, the menu promises, mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, neither of which made it to the plate. However, servers congregated at our table with abject apologies and kind offers of replacement (which we didn’t take them up on, but showed an admirable hospitality spirit).

The dessert that piqued our fancy was a slice of pie composed of rhubarb ice cream and streusel—a cool and fitting Minnesota-style finale. 

Farmers Kitchen + Bar

750 S. 2nd St.

(612) 200-9434

www.Farmerskitchenandbar.com

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

(Page 12)

Ma's Roast Beef. Rustic Grilled Cheese, Rhubarb with Oat Streusel ice cream pie.

Photos by Mike Hnida

That Siren Song of Late Summer The Minnesota State Fair

BY LINDA RAINES

It’s coming! The glorious cap-off to Minnesota’s all-too-short summer is on its way—those twelve golden days at the end of August that are the Minnesota State Fair. Affectionately referred to as the “Great Minnesota Get-Together”, the fair brings together thousands of people from every corner of the state in a swirling mass of humanity that has one goal in mind—cramming as much food, fun and excitement in as they can while it lasts. From admiring prize livestock to devouring every kind of food on a stick imaginable to rocking out to great music in the Grandstand to schlepping back to their car or the transit bus with sleepy children and a bucket of Sweet Martha’s cookies in hand, it’s what so many folks look forward to all year.

Let’s face it….while there are many attractions on offer, one of the biggest is the food, and nobody does food quite like the Minnesota State Fair. After all, when you announce that you’re heading out to the Fair, what’s the first thing that your friends often ask? That’s right—“what are you planning on eating this year?” The obvious answer, of course, would be “EVERYTHING!”

In addition to the tried-and-true classics such as Sweet Martha’s, mini-donuts, cheese curds, Pronto Pups, and fresh French fries, the Fair always has new and unique delights to tempt the taste buds.

this year.

Nordic Waffles, recently profiled in our “Summer Treats and Sweets” issue, will be debuting their Bacon-Wrapped Waffle Dog, a unique treat that combines a bacon-wrapped Kramarczuk hot dog with cheddar cheese, pickle slices, crispy onions and burger sauce, and bundled into a Nordic Waffle.

What says Minnesota more than walleye? Add the obligatory stick, and you have Walleye Fritter Pops, courtesy of Giggles’ Campfire Grill! This tasty bite consists of smoked walleye mixed with a delightful blend of cheeses, dill pickle relish and fresh garlic, all rolled up together in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Perfect for carrying along to munch as you peruse the booths and exhibits.

For the really brave souls who have a true Nordic heart with a bit of an Asian angle, Shanghai Henri’s is rolling out the Crispy Lutefisk Steam Bun. They fill a steamed lotus bun with a concoction of cabbage, carrots, cilantro and yum yum sauce and top it with a dollop of Olsen Fish Company lutefisk brined for 12 hours in salt water, then cover it all with a sweet hoisin sauce, bake it and top it sesame seeds.

Of course, you can’t forget the delightful sweets that tempt the tastebuds. One new food this year is a sweet and tasty Fruity Cereal Milk Biscuit from Betty and Earl’s that consists of one of their light-as-air biscuits made with fruity cereal milk and cereal bits, then drizzled with icing flavored with the same fruit cereal and topped with even more cereal bits!

Continued on page 16

(Clockwise) Walleye Fritter Pops, Brandi Carlile, Bacon-Wrapped Waffle Dog.

Photos courtesy of the Minnesota State Fair

After filling your belly with sinfully delicious food, sitting down to digest might sound like a plan, and what could be better than taking in a concert while you do it? The Grandstand Concert Series has lined up a fantastic set of musical artists this year that should appeal to anyone’s taste.

The Great Minnesota Get Together kicks off with The Black Keys and special guest The Velveteers headlining the Grandstand on opening night, Thursday, August 24 at 7 PM.

The first weekend of the Fair only gets more exciting as The Chicks take to the stage on Friday, Keith Urban is in the spotlight on Saturday, and Boyz II Men and Chaka Khan round out things on Sunday.

The entertainment just keeps on rolling through the week, with none other than Brandi Carlile gracing the stage along with Wynonna Judd on Tuesday, August 29th.

Switching things up on Wednesday, August 30th, Yung Gravy and special guest bbno$ will be bringing the fans on their feet with their raucous melodies and lively entertainment. Not exactly the groove that you’re digging? Never fear, Duran Duran will bring their inimitable ‘80s sound to the stage on Thursday, August 31. And if that’s not enough entertainment for you, the Jonas Brothers will be bounding onto the stage on Friday, September 1st.

Are the exciting rides more your thing? The Fair has a multitude of thrills and chills for the whole family. The more adventurous will want to check out the Sling Shot and Turbo Bungy in Adventure Park, with the littlest family members finding laughter aplenty at Kidway, with the

Kiddie Bumper Boats, Charlie Chopper, the Tilt-A-Whirl, and the AppleGo-Round.

Of course, the Mighty Midway is always a huge draw! The Iron Dragon Roller Coaster, Music Express, Zero Gravity, Kamikaze, and others will result in screams and laughter lasting well into the night.

No trip to the Fair would be complete, though, without taking the plunge down the Giant Slide! This family favorite has been a staple on the fairgrounds for over fifty years and promises to remain so for decades to come.

No matter your reasons for joining the happy throngs filling the streets, the Great Minnesota Get Together has something for everyone, so come on out and join in the fun. It’s twelve days of unabashed indulgence, a chance to hang out with neighbors from one corner of the state to the other before the snowflakes start to fly. It’s truly an experience that you don’t want to miss.

See you at the Fair! 

Minnesota State Fair

August 24 – September 4, 2023 www.mnstatefair.org

(Clockwise) Main Gate, Fruity Cereal Milk Biscuit, Kidway, Crispy Lutefisk Steam Bun.

The Search For Love An Interview With Raymond Luczak

BY GREGG SHAPIRO

Here’s a funny, gay, “small world” story. In the 1990s, years before I actually met Raymond Luczak, we were both published in the long-running (1976-1995) gay culture magazine Christopher Street. In fact, “Lincoln Avenue,” the short story of mine published in the issue of Christopher Street which featured Luczak’s “Notes of a Deaf Gay Poet” article on the cover, would go on to be the titular piece of my short fiction collection published by none other than Luczak’s Squares and Rebels Press in 2014. Minneapolis-based Luczak, a prolific author of 20 books, is not only the publisher at Squares and Rebels, as well as Handtype Press, he is also the editor of the literary journal “Mollyhouse.” Additionally, he has edited numerous anthologies. The city of Minneapolis figures prominently in his new novel Widower, 48, Seeks Husband (Rattling Good Yarns Press, 2023), almost becoming a character in itself. LGBTQ+ history also plays a large role as the book spans 40 years, incorporating many significant community events. Raymond was kind enough to make time during his book tour to answer a few questions.

Gregg Shapiro: Not long before we spoke, you attended the Rainbow Book Fair in NYC. How was the experience for you?

Raymond Luczak: I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought it would. The last time I’d done the Rainbow Book Fair, some years back, it was held uptown at the John Jay College, which I didn’t like mainly because there was security and there was no straightforward way of entering the fair itself. This time around the fair was held at the LGBTQ+ Community Center. The vibe was much more welcoming and cozier due to its smaller footprint.

GS: What is your opinion of LGBTQ lit fests and book fairs? What are your likes and dislikes?

RL: Aside from the Rainbow Book Fair, the only other LGBTQ+ book fair I’ve done was Outwrite in Washington, DC in 2019. Even though the turnout was smaller than the ones I’ve seen at RBF, I enjoyed that one very much. It felt very low-key, and many of the vendors had spare moments to “visit” with each other. However, my biggest gripe with LGBTQ+ book fairs/festivals is that accessibility doesn’t seem to be a priority. I did email the coordinator of a certain queer book festival about my information accessibility needs as a Deaf writer should I attend. His lackluster response

made it very clear that he did not want to think about providing ASL interpreters; he didn’t even ask how we might be able to work together to make that happen. As a result, I’ve never gone. Ableism is still alive and well within the LGBTQ+ literary community.

GS: You have established yourself over the years as a poet, fiction writer, editor, and publisher. Your new book Widower, 48, Seeks Husband is a novel. Do you have a preference for poetry or prose?

RL: I like both genres for different reasons. Poetry is about distilling language itself. Prose is about expanding language itself. Both genres are capable of conveying intense moments of experience whether it be lyrical or narrative. I am fortunate in that I have more tools to work with whenever I write something.

GS: What excites you most, and least, about being a publisher?

RL: I enjoy working with writers to develop and hone their work toward publication. I also love discovering new voices I hadn’t heard of before; that’s how I came across Dan Callahan’s That Was Something. I’m still very proud of being the first to publish Kris Ringman’s books; they’ve been nominated twice for the Lambda Literary Award. I wish I could publish more books, but I’ve had to be extremely selective about what I publish.

GS: Geographic place is prominent in Widower, 48, Seeks Husband, with Minneapolis street intersections, neighborhoods, and businesses named throughout. Would it be fair to say the novel is a love letter to Minneapolis?

RL: I’m not sure if I’d use the phrase “love letter,” but when I was writing the novel, I simply walked around my own neighborhood and used actual locations for scenes in my book. I was in-

Images courtesy of Raymond Luczak

terested in creating a sense of place as well as giving it some context. It was fun walking my dog Rocky around the neighborhood (he really loved to help out with my field research) and imagining what it must’ve been like once upon a time when it was quite a gay neighborhood.

GS: You populated Widower, 48, Seeks Husband with real people and events from gay history, including Anita Bryant pie-tosser Thom Higgins, early married gay couple James Michael McConnell and Richard John Baker, the Stonewall Riot, the AIDS crisis, in addition to Minnesota gay history. As a longtime Minneapolis resident, was it your intention to call attention to an area that may have been overlooked in the story of the LGBTQ community?

RL: Social history has always interested me. How did people back then used to live, and how did they look at the world at the time? Part of the novel’s impetus came from the fact that when we talk about the national LGBTQ+ history of political changes, the flyover country, as in the land between the coasts, often gets overlooked, as if nothing much happens there when reality has made it clear that it’s anything but. I did a lot of historical research and conducted a number of interviews with old-timers about what Minneapolis was like in the late 1970s when the novel begins.

GS: You cover a variety of subjects that

will be familiar to LGBTQ readers, such as drag, aging, online hookups, bears, AIDS, and body image, to name a few. Did you know that you’d be dealing with these subjects when you first began writing the book or did each topic reveal itself as you wrote?

RL: I write my novels without any outline. It usually begins with me wondering about a new character. What’s their story? What do they want? And it isn’t usually too long before they make their own desires apparent. All those topics happened quite organically. I like discovering new things as I write along. It’s always terrifying, wondering whether my novel in progress will be any good.

GS: Speaking of bears, the hirsute character Howie comes to terms with his bearness in the book. Was it a conscious decision to write for a bear audience?

RL: No, not at all! I was thinking more about the older gay community who don’t always get the attention and respect they deserve. Ageism is unfortunately rampant within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly when it comes to finding a new partner. I was also fascinated by the idea of featuring a so-called nobody trying to find a husband. I think that’s a much more emotionally interesting challenge to explore. Not only that; Howie would not be considered a typical beauty. I am very interested in dissecting social mores surrounding physical perfection. In that sense,

the book was informed by my exposure to disability literature.

GS: Before he passes away in 2008, Timm tries to arrange a new man for Howie because Timm is worried about Howie being alone after all the years they spent together. Is this based on something that actually happened, or is it an invention for the sake of the novel?

RL: Oh, that was a total fabrication on my part! Timm did mean well, but you could say that I wanted to have a cringe-worthy moment here and there.

GS: If there was a movie version of Widower, 48, Seeks Husband, who would you like to see playing Howie, Timm, Nick, Betsy, and Billy?

RL: When I first wrote the novel back in 2009, I thought how wonderful James Gandolfini would be as Howie. He always had that dark, almost forbidding, quality. But now? I’d go with Stephen Wallem even though he’s not overly hirsute. A younger Leslie Jordan would’ve nailed Timm; we’d need a shortish actor with a bit of swish and a lot of sass. Depending on how long it’d take to secure financing for such a film adaptation, Russell Tovey could be old enough to play Nick by the time the shooting starts. I’d love to see Suzy Eddie Izzard play Betsy; she’d be so perfect in that part. Timothée Chalamet would be great as Billy. And yes, the film rights are still available. 

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Oklahoma City

BY JOEY AMATO

I first visited OKC while on a road trip to Las Vegas. While I was only there for one night, it piqued my interest when I found out they have a viable gayborhood known as the 39th Steet District. During that trip I stayed at a hotel in the neighborhood known as Habana. It has since been updated and rebranded as The District Hotel and served as my home base on this trip.

The property has changed a lot under its current ownership. The rooms especially have been modernized and are quite welcoming. During the summer months, the hotel is known for throwing outrageous pool parties drawing guests from miles around. There is also a nightclub, bar, and lounge on property for guests to enjoy.

The 39th Street District is quiet during the day but really comes alive at night. There are no less than 8 LGBTQ nightlife establishments in a 2-block radius, putting the city’s nightlife scene on par with major LGBTQ destinations.

Begin your evening with a cocktail at Apothecary 39. The friendly bar staff and patrons will always make you feel welcome. Next, head over to Indigo Lounge, a newer establishment with more of a NYC chic vibe. The

owner of the bar randomly introduced herself to us and told us about her collaboration with her daughter to create an open and inviting space. She gave off such a positive energy that it made us want to stay there for a few more drinks. And by the way, the drinks in OKC are strong and inexpensive. A Grey Goose cocktail will run you about $7. You won’t find that in NYC.

Finish off the evening at Angle’s, the district’s only true club. Angles is open Wednesday through Saturday, so if you are in town during one of those days, be sure to swing by. The neighborhood also contains numerous murals, perfect for those mandatory Instagram posts.

Everything shuts down in OKC at 2:00 AM, so don’t expect to party too late.

After a good night’s sleep, head to the First Americans Museum. This was my first time visiting and I was so impressed by not only the modern design of the building but also the interactive nature of the exhibits.

First Americans Museum (FAM) celebrates the 39 Tribal Nations that call Oklahoma home, although only a handful are indigenous to the state. Many were removed from their homelands and relocated to Indian Territory. The name Oklahoma actual derives from two Choctaw words, “Okla” and “Homma,” meaning land of the red people.

The museum’s full-service restaurant, Thirty Nine offers a delicious brunch menu on the weekend. Some standout items include Blue Corn Blueberry Pancakes, the FAM skillet, and a hearty Mushroom Frittata.

After the museum, it’s time to do a little shopping. Swing by queer and female owner Common Dear for some rainbow inspired gifts, then head over to LGBTQ-owned Craig’s Emporium. This is a gem collector’s dream come true. The store is enormous and features a huge variety of gems, minerals, and so much more. I literally didn’t know which way to turn. The store is divided into different rooms, and you can easily get lost inside.

Since I began Pride Journeys six years ago, I have had the incredible opportunity to visit dozens of destinations around the world. Some destinations I visited once, while others left such an impression, that I was yearning to return. Oklahoma City is one of those destinations.

Photos by Joey Amato

For the best views of the city, catch a ride on the Wheeler Ferris Wheel or go to Vast located in the Devon Energy tower, the city’s tallest building.

One of the hottest attractions in Oklahoma City is Factory Obscura, an immersive experience created by local artists. Guests are given 3D glasses upon entry to thoroughly enjoy the venue. I have never experienced anything quite like this. It’s a combination of a maze, art instillation and interactive playground. I’m not really sure how to describe it, but it was very cool and fun for all ages.

What many people don’t realize about OKC is that it has a thriving Asian culinary scene. The Asian District contains dozens of restaurants serving everything from traditional Cantonese cuisine to Vietnamese food, which is how it got its nickname, “Little Saigon.” Try VII Asian Bistro, which is located in an unimpressive strip mall. But don’t let the façade fool you. The food is delicious and inexpensive. I highly recommend the Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Moo Goo Gai Pan.

Every time I visit, I like to walk by Oklahoma City National Memorial, a site which honors the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the Oklahoma City bombing which took place on April 19, 1995. A section of the old building still stands near the entrance to the memorial. The best time to go is early in the morning when you can take your time to walk the grounds without the crowds. It’s a very somber experience which should not be missed.

If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, there is no better place to be than The Boom for Gospel Brunch starring Kitty Bob Aimes and Norma Jean Goldenstein. The drag duo had us rolling for the entire hour-long show. I was so impressed by the improv talent of the two entertainers. I was told the Bloody Mary’s are to die for.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring downtown Oklahoma City then head to the city’s Paseo District, a quaint neighborhood filled with shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Make a reservation at Frida Southwest, a modern restaurant featuring elevated Latin cuisine such as Tuna Tartare made with guajillo-orange marinated ahi tuna, whipped avocado, and pickled onion served with crispy corn tortillas. If you are in the mood for a heartier appetizer, try the Short Rib empanadas.

For an entrée, I recommend the Chilean Seabass served over a truffle corn and parmesan risotto, lobster beurre blanc and sautéed baby spinach. I’ve had Chilean seabass before, but this dish ranks among the top I have ever tasted. And of course, you must complete your meal with the Mexican Hot Chocolate cheesecake because calories don’t count on this trip. The cheesecake is made with a hazelnut cinnamon brittle, chocolate dulce, and spiced cinnamon-ancho crust.

I feel like all I did on this trip was eat, but Oklahoma City’s culinary scene has taken off in recent years and the city boasts so many wonderful options outside of what they are traditionally known for.

Enjoy the Journey! 

tilt and WhiRl

For KSTP-TV Meteorologist Matt Serwe and His Husband Derek Pacula, Love Is A Grand Grind

BY TERRANCE GRIEP

It started out as a whirlwind, and, like any whirlwind, it wasn’t meant to last.

Matt Serwe was swept up by this whirlwind, which, under other circumstances, might have damaged his credibility as a meteorologist at KSTP-TV…but this whirlwind had nothing to do with the atmospheric wobbles generated by rising heat and descending cold. No, this whirlwind had to with web developer Derek Pacula.

“Like any other modern gay love story, we met on the app,” Derek Pacula remembers. “You know, the classic modern-day love story. I get weird saying the name Grindr for meeting my husband, but yep, that’s it.” In other words, the marriage of Matt Serwe and Derek Pacula is rooted in the application that usually spawns grunt-drunk unions which amount to little more than a tornado with no strings…because, according to popular experience, strings tend to tangle tornadoes.

The whirlwind revolving around Serwe and Pacula persisted, but only by taking on the character of a serious relationship, replete with emotions and sharing and stuff. “The first December we were dating, he [Pacula] brought me to his company Christmas party,” Matt Serwe reminisces. “We were at the table with the CEO and his wife.”

“I was five months into this job by the way, very new,” Derek Pacula qualifies, “and his wife had asked how we met…”

“Derek said, ‘Online,’” Matt Serwe says.

“And Matt just whips out, ‘Oh, we met on Grindr,’” Derek Pacula says.

“There were a few dropped jaws and rosy cheeks around the table,” Serwe, ever the dutiful scientist, is happy to report.

Pacula, ever the dutiful husband, is a little less happy in his reporting, focusing on his boss’s wife. “The color on this poor woman’s face…and probably my face,” he frets. “I thought I was going to be fired!”

Continued on page 24

The whirlwind held together, spinning past this moment of sanguine oversharing…but a certain chill threatened to halt its grind. Recalls Pacula, “When our relationship started to go beyond friendship, he [Serwe] said to me, ‘We can’t move forward unless you come out to your family.’”

This was no small ask. “At that time, I wasn’t ready to do it and wasn’t even sure if I ever would be,” Pacula contends. “I was going through my own personal struggle, afraid of the possibility of losing my family.”

This not-small ask was not asked in a small-minded way, however. Asserts Serwe, “At that point in my life, I was completely out, personally and professionally. I had zero desire to go back in the closet in any aspect of my life.”

Selfishness was not the raison d’étre for this uneasy impetus—quite the opposé, in fact. “Derek and I come from similar enough backgrounds: traditional Catholic Midwest families,” Serwe continues. “I wanted that freedom and relief for him, even if it would mean some pain initially. It was difficult to come out to my mom, but I also remember how freeing it was to finally do it.”

Pacula’s big reveal more-or-less echoed that of his future husband. “I did come out, and yeah, it was tough having that conversation with my family,” admits Pacula. “It wasn’t easy for my parents, as they wondered if they had done something wrong. After some time, they realized they didn’t do anything wrong, and we now have their full support and love.”

In addition to liberating both men, this small act of big bravery served as a barometer for the romance itself. “It shows how we both knew early on where this relationship was headed,” Serwe notes. “I wasn’t going to make him go through all that and then dip out a few weeks later. He was going to have my love and support.”

Their collective openness serves a purpose beyond the boundaries of their life partnership. “Being out is not only important for individual well-being, but it also holds broader significance in terms of representation,” Pacula insists. “Representation matters because it helps combat stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. This visibility can have a profound impact on others who may be struggling with their own identities, providing them with role models and a sense of belonging.”

Such visibility is a particularly visible visibility for the half of the couple who regularly appears in living rooms and dens all around the Twin Cities Metro Area. “I’m absolutely aware that me mentioning my husband on TV still has a big impact in some homes,“ Serwe declares. “Ever since I met Derek, I’ve been out on air, tossing in references to my boyfriend or fiancee or husband. I understand the impact I can have being out on TV. It’s an easy way I can help someone feel more seen and accepted and help challenge the more close-minded viewers.”

And after the studio lights go dim and the science is tucked in and cameras dream of electric sheep? The whirlwind abides. Serwe affirms, “Derek has helped make me into the best version of myself. I’m forever indebted to his love, support, and motivation personally and professionally. Marriage is about growing together, and he has pushed me to do a lot of growing.”

In this particular whirlwind, the wind whirls two ways. Pacula considers, “There is a lot in my life since dating and being married to Matt emotional support, commitment, and growth have impacted us both greatly. It’s nice to have a partner that can fulfill those needs and wants into something hugely impactful.”

If the experience of Matt Serwe and Derek Pacula is any indicator, the whirlwind of emotions and sharing and stuff is much like the Minnesota weather–it can be wonderfully unpredictable. “Yes, Grindr may have been the unconventional starting point, but it brought us together, and we couldn’t be happier about it,” Pacula gushes. “Love really does have a way of surprising you when you least expect it!” 

Matt Serwe

4330 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55409

Catch a VIBE Find Your New Home with VIBE Realty!

BY SUSAN SWAVELY

Founded in 2018, this LGBTQ+ owned real estate brokerage located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood of Saint Paul is revolutionizing the realty game, all while making sure to keep people at the center of the conversation. At VIBE you’ll find helpful, community-oriented agents who are ready to help you find the home of your dreams, or sell your home and move onto the next place for you! VIBE Realty is all about people, and their mission is to make your experience the best it can possibly be.

Co-founder of VIBE Realty and a realtor himself, Rob Glynn says, “VIBE Realty prides itself on our high-quality agents who care about the important role they play for their clients and who take an inclusive approach to helping their clients achieve their desired outcomes.” VIBE agents know how important finding your new space is, and take finding your new home very seriously. Glynn adds “VIBE agents love everything local and are tapped into what’s happening throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul.”

Having a real estate agent who knows the area intimately is immensely helpful when finding the right neighborhood to settle down in. Getting to know you and your vibe is an essential part of VIBE agents’ ability to find the perfect home for each unique client. Glynn says “We believe that helping people buy and sell real estate is a ‘people’ business and we focus on making sure the people we represent always feel comfortable, welcomed, and valued.” No two people are the same and no two homes are the same, so why should any home-buying or selling experience be the same? At

VIBE, they understand how crucial it is to individualize every collaboration. Other than attentive realtors, how is VIBE different from other real estate agencies? The brand-new VIBE office space is loaded with client-centric features. Glynn describes it, “VIBE’s cutting-edge new office was designed to foster a sense of community and human connection… In addition to being outfitted with all the latest technologies to help our agents deliver a world-class experience for their clients, VIBE’s new office is also stocked with amenities like ‘The Cafe,’ which features a stocked snack bar including

If you’re searching for a new home in the Twin Cities, and you don’t know where to turn, look no further than VIBE Realty!

Office photos courtesy of Spacecrafting.

(Below) Co-founder of VIBE Realty, Rob Glynn.

kombucha and nitro cold brew on tap, as well as wine, beer, and a host of refreshments.”

VIBE is committed to creating a community space, so clients feel at home and welcomed inside their doors. Glynn continues, “The new facility also features ‘The Lounge,’ which is a fully equipped event space that VIBE’s agents can use to entertain clients and hold intimate events of up to 25 people.” Nothing fosters community like an inviting space with food, drink, and comradery!

VIBE agents are excited to welcome new clients into the office and show them how much fun buying or selling a home can be. Glynn points out, “Every VIBE agent is committed to fiercely representing the best interests of their clients while also making the home buying or selling experience as enjoyable and fun as possible.” At the end of the day, Glynn says, “We love bringing people together!”

Buying or selling a house can seem like an incredibly daunting task, especially for people facing active discrimination, much like the members of the LGBTQ+ community. Glynn understands this, and is committed to making sure that the experience of buying or selling your home is accessible and comfortable for all people. He says, “As a gay man who recently bought a home with my partner, Chad, of nine years, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be for members of the LGBTQ+ community to real-

ize the dream and benefits of homeownership. There are countless barriers in the way, and, at VIBE, we make it a priority to help our clients navigate a system that can often be stacked against them based on being a member of the queer community.”

Glynn knows the importance of enthusiastically making LGBTQ+ people feel welcomed in community spaces, and like they have a voice, especially in decisions as special as buying a new home or selling the home they’ve been living in.

Buying or selling your house doesn’t have to be the overwhelming task it used to be. With VIBE Realty changing the industry into one of community, authentic relationships, and enjoyment, buying and selling your home can be a wonderful experience.

Check out VIBE Realty at www.vibemn.com ! Find your home today! 

Just Add A Water Garden To Your Home

BY RANDY STERN

Want a suggestion on how to elevate your backyard? Add water.

Not just watering your lawn and garden. Just add a water feature to create a new atmosphere to your sanctuary.

Having a water garden adds many benefits to your home. Getting there takes a lot of work and planning. We asked Jan Schreier of the Minnesota Water Garden Society for a bit of help for us to understand how we get from a plain yard to something amazing and beautiful.

What kinds of water gardens are there for you to develop your yard with? “There are many water features common here,” Schreier said. “From very large “swimmable ponds” which use natural plants, bogs and filtration to keep the crystal clear rather than a sterile pool with chlorine, to smaller water gardens that includes plants and fish, to ‘pondless’ water features that have moving water, but no standing water or fish, to even smaller “container gardens” that can sit on a patio or porch with a few water-loving plants.”

Before you have an idea of what water garden you want to develop, you have to plan your water garden. According to Schreier, the first thing you want to do is to “check with your local city ordinances as they vary greatly. Most cities consider if your pond is more than 18” deep, it falls under the same ordinances as a swimming pool. If you are digging a pond, be sure to contact your utility company to mark buried cable, electric and gas lines.”

Schreier also explains that ponds are “normally filled with water from

your tap which could be either treated water or well water. If your tap water contains chlorine or chloramines and you want to keep fish, you must treat the water before introducing your fish. But because the water recirculates, this only needs to be filled once, with occasional additions for evaporation if we don’t get any rain.”

When you are planning your water garden, think of the benefits one will give your property. “Primary benefits are a great focal point for the yard,” said Schreier. “It attracts tons of wildlife to enjoy helping birds, pollinators, reptiles, amphibians and even mammals. (Especially during periods of drought and heat like we are having now). The sound of moving water is great calming influence on people, helping to relax and enjoy life.”

Schreier also explained the having a water garden creates a “waterfall effect”, where “negative ions are released into the air when water collides with itself which gives people the feeling of being refreshed and revived. Because water features use recirculating water and doesn’t need fertilization, it is much better for the environment than lawns.”

As you create your water garden, there are some “do’s” and “don’ts” of doing so. First off, “do your research,” said Schreier. “Check with city codes, and check for buried utilities before you dig. Talk to people with

Continued on page 30

Photos by Randy Stern

However, as Schreier will point out: “Don’t skimp on the following: Liner and a Quality Pump. Remember it is twice as much labor to replace a liner than it is to build a new pond in the first place because you have to take everything out, put the new liner in and then put everything back in. Moving rocks is VERY labor intensive.” “

Schreier also explains that “anywhere you dig and build up soil will settle. Having extra liner along the sides of your pond will enable you to lift that liner, tuck some soil or rocks underneath and then replace the liner rather than removing large boulders or trying to patch additional liner to the old liner. The pump is also important as you want to run the water 24/7. This is what keeps the ecosystem in balance. For the same amount of flow, quality pumps run far less electricity and last far longer than cheaper pumps. Sump pumps are not made to run 24/7 and tend to break down in a year or two under those conditions.”

Once you have built a water garden, you have to maintain it. As Schreier says, “maintaining a water garden can be easier than maintaining a lawn or flower garden if it is built right. What we strive for is to build a mini ecosystem that takes care of itself. The correct balance of plants, fish and moving water is very low maintenance. Primarily some cleaning out in the spring of all the fall foliage and debris, and kick-starting the ecosystem with beneficial bacteria helps before the plants grow up to take care of the filtration for you.”

What about maintaining your water garden during our wonderful winters? “Winterizing depends on many factors,” explained Schreier. “Small features like containers should be emptied to avoid cracking the container with freeze/thaw cycles. Water plants can be brought inside as houseplants or buried under a pile of leaves/soil or dropped to the bottom of a deeper pond (three feet deep is sufficient in MN). Pond with fish should have an area that is at least three feet deep and the addition of an aerator or heater will keep an opening in the ice to exchange toxic gases that can build up. Some people have stock tanks in basements or heated garages and take their fish inside.”

There are plenty of resources available to you. The Minnesota Water Garden Society is a local resource that should be your first stop before you consider putting one in your yard. They also have a Facebook group you can join to get ideas, as well as to share what you’ve accomplished. You can have your questions answered there, too. There are other resources,

including Koi clubs for those who put those precious fish species in your water feature, and professionals who can actually do the work. Just make sure to check their references before you contract with one.

As LGBTQ+ homeowners and property caretakers, we always put in more love and effort into our lawns and gardens. That is why we consider water gardens as one way to elevate the property. Even giving it greater value.

If you have always dreamed of adding something soothing to your yard, just simply add water – and a lot of character – and relax. 

Lavender Media is seeking to add a Twin Citiesbased full time Account Executive to our sales team. We are looking for an outgoing, organized, self-driven & motivated professional with excellent phone, writing and presentation skills. Candidates should enjoy working directly with clients who are interested in growing their business through Lavender advertising and event sponsorships. Candidates must be local

Includes base pay + commission and an employee benefits package that includes group health, dental, life insurance and LTD.

Applicants should have experience with Mac software environment, Excel, Word, social media platforms & database software such as Filemaker Pro. They should exhibit an elevated level of organization, attention to detail, the ability to work as part of a team, effective communication, self direction, enjoys working with new people and has a natural drive to grow.

Please send your cover letter and resume to Stephen Rocheford, President & CEO. stephen.rocheford@lavendermagazine.com

Rainbow Health Returns to Downtown Minneapolis

BY AURORA SMITH

If you’ve been in Minnesota for a bit, you might have heard of Rainbow Health. They’re a non-profit organization advocating for and serving the LGBTQ+ community, including working to end HIV and empowering marginalized groups to lead healthier lives.

Rainbow Health was formed through the Minnesota AIDS Project and Rainbow Health Initiative merger, plus a later acquisition of Training to Serve. They continue to grow and discover new ways to tackle their mission of improving health for the LGBTQ+ community.

Part of that growth is a big move to change their location from Saint Paul to downtown Minneapolis. This move is full of potential both for Rainbow Health and the community at large.

Why Move to Downtown Minneapolis?

“Over the past few years, our staff and number of services has grown, and we wanted a better space to consolidate to one location that offered a better experience for our clients,” says Jeremy Hanson Willis, CEO of Rainbow Health.

Rainbow Health offers a hybrid of on-site and virtual programs, so this move offers a flexible environment for the organization to meet with clients and community members alike. It’s also a more centralized location, where more staff and clients can easily reach the building.

The new office is conveniently located near a parking ramp, where visitors can get their parking validated. It’s also close to public tran-

sit and bike facilities, vastly improving accessibility. Plus, it’s closer to Rainbow Health’s partner organizations (like Red Door, HCMC, etc.) and community resources, offering an attractive and efficient upgrade.

“As a nonprofit that puts as much of our resources to support our clients as possible, we wanted a cost-effective space,” says Willis. “We are excited to be part of the downtown community and all the fun opportunities this offers our staff and clients.”

How Does this Move Benefit Rainbow Health and the Community as a Whole?

The new office space is larger and has a better layout for serving clients, promoting staff

Continued on page 34

Photos courtesy of Rainbow Health

interaction, and welcoming community gatherings. There are meeting spaces of various sizes, plus new exercise and bike facilities for staff. This is in addition to the convenient parking and transit options; light rail is one block away and there are plenty of bus stops around the new location.

Plus, the 15th-floor site offers fantastic views with ample sunlight, giving clients and staff beautiful visuals throughout their days.

Additionally, thanks to a recent partnership with United Healthcare, Rainbow Health is expanding their behavioral health services for youth ages 14–25, just in time for the new office opening.

“One of the fastest-growing areas of our work is our mental health therapy and this new office will offer a superior space for comfortable and engaging individual or group therapy sessions,” says Willis.

When Is the Grand Opening/ Open House?

“We’re planning an open house in mid-October and inviting the community to see the new space!” says Willis. “We’ll also be able to hold more events and activities in this new office, so expect to see many more opportunities to gather at Rainbow Health.”

While specific dates are still being secured, an official announcement and details about the

open house and grand opening will be sent to those who subscribe to Rainbow Health’s newsletter at rainbowhealth.org/subscribe.

What Should Clients and the Community Know About the Open House/Grand Opening?

Rainbow Health plans to be fully operational in the new office by September 1st, so they invite people to stop by to visit. “We want the community to join us and learn more about who we are and what we do,” says Willis.

At the opening events, Rainbow Health is also excited to share information on their lat-

est Voices of Health report on the health of LGBTQ+ Minnesotans. Parts of that report will be displayed throughout the new office as well as at the opening events.

What is Rainbow Health Most Excited About Achieving with this Move?

Since 2020, thanks to the pandemic, most of Rainbow Health’s staff have been working remotely. This new space will allow for comfortable and welcoming collaboration and relationship-building between Rainbow Health employees, clients, and the community as a whole.

“I am thrilled to have a better space that attracts more staff and clients to the office and fuels excitement and energy!” says Willis.

An exciting time for Rainbow Health and LGBTQ+ Minnesotans! The new location will be 701 S. 4th Ave, Suite 1500, on the 15th floor. Subscribe to Rainbow Health’s newsletter for updates on the grand opening. 

Community Connection brings visibility to local LGBTQ-friendly non-profit organizations. To reserve your listing in Community Connection, email advertising@lavendermagazine. com.

ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE

Foster Adopt Minnesota

Finding families and providing information, education, and support to Minnesota Adoptive, Foster and Kinship communities.

2446 University Ave. W., Ste. 104 St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 861-7115, (866) 303-6276 info@fosteradoptmn.org

www.fosteradoptmn.org

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

CASINOS

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

Nonstop gaming excitement with slots, blackjack, bingo and more plus distinctive bars and restaurants.

2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. Prior Lake, MN 55372 (800) 262-7799

www.mysticlake.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

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

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

Family Tree Clinic

We're a sliding fee sexual health clinic and education center, now in Minneapolis.

1919 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis MN 55403 (612) 473-0800

www.familytreeclinic.org

NAMI Minnesota

(National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Providing free classes and peer support groups for people affected by mental illnesses.

800 Transfer Rd. #31 St. Paul, MN 55114 (651) 645-2948

www.namihelps.org

Rainbow Health Minnesota

Meeting the health needs of LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV with holistic service.

2700 Territorial Rd. W. St. Paul, MN 55114 General: (612) 341-2060 MN AIDSLine: (612) 373-2437

www.rainbowhealth.org

Red Door Clinic

Sexual health care for all people. Get confidential tests & treatment in a safe, caring setting.

525 Portland Ave., 4th Fl. Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 543-5555

reddoor@hennepin.us

www.reddoorclinic.org

LIBRARIES

Quatrefoil Library

Your LGBTQ+ library and community center. Free membership, events, and e-books/audiobooks. Check us out!

1220 E. Lake St. Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612) 729-2543

www.qlibrary.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

MORTGAGE

Nonprofit Mortgage Company

Purchase, refinance, and home equity loans. I’ll help you with every step of the process. NMLS 2259195 1608823. An Equal Housing Opportunity Betsy Phillips @ 651-274-9367

www.LoansbyBetsy.com

MUSEUM

Minnesota Historical Society

Create your own adventure at MNHS historic sites and museums around Minnesota. mnhs.org

Walker Art Center

Showcasing the fresh, innovative art of today and tomorrow through exhibitions, performances, and film screenings. 725 Vineland Pl. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 375-7600

www.walkerart.org

PERFORMING ARTS

Chanhassen Dinner Theaters

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 familyfriendly 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

Lyric Arts Main Street Stage

Theater with character. Comedies, musicals, & dramas in a professional, intimate setting where all are welcomed. 420 E. Main St. Anoka, MN 55303 (763) 422-1838 info@lyricarts.org www.lyricarts.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 and 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

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

St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral

An inclusive and affirming community transforming lives through God’s love. 519 Oak Grove St. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 870-7800

www.ourcathedral.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

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

Senior Community Services

Providing non-medical services that meet the changing needs of older adults & support their caregivers. 10201 Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 335 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 541-1019 www.seniorcommunity.org/lav

SOCIAL SERVICES

Lutheran Social Service of MN

Serving all Minnesotans with personcentered services that promote full and abundant lives.

lssmn.org | 612-642-5990 | 800-582-5260

Adoption & Foster Care | welcome@chlss.org

Behavioral Health | 612-879-5320

Host Homes | hosthomes@lssmn.org

Supported Decision-Making | 888-806-6844

Therapeutic Foster Care | 612-751-9395

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Discover St. Louis Park

Minnesota’s Sweet Spot! Visit us for exceptional dining, attractions, shopping, hotels and event space. 1660 Hwy 100 S., Ste. 501 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 426-4047 www.DiscoverStLouisPark.com

Discover Stillwater

Get away to Stillwater for delicious dining, fun shops, and unique nightlife in this charming rivertown! info@DiscoverStillwater.com www.DiscoverStillwater.com

Visit Greater St. Cloud

Give yourself a break. Visit Greater St. Cloud.

1411 W. St. Germain St., Ste. 104 St. Cloud, MN 56301 (320) 251-4170 info@visitstcloud.com www.visitstcloud.com

YOUTH

The Bridge for Youth Emergency shelter, crisis intervention, and resources for youth currently or at risk of experiencing homelessness. 1111 W. 22nd St. Minneapolis, MN 55405 (612) 377-8800 or text (612) 400-7233 www.bridgeforyouth.org

612.219.2211

JoshKelly@edinarealty.com

JoshKelly.edinarealty.com

Live Your Best Life In Some New Swimwear

BY MIKEY ROX

In the heat of the summer, you want to be prepared to keep cool. Especially when you’re heading to the beach – either on the lake or some far away oceanside. A good set of swimwear is your key to staying young and alive. You could also feel and look good doing so! There is nothing wrong with looking good and feeling gorgeous at any age!

If you are looking for the “fountain of youth” or just living your best life, here are some of the hottest swimwear out there for this summer –or, any part of the year!

Saxx ‘Bite Me’ Oh Buoys

According to the New York Post, “Women are debating whether the ubiquitous fishin men’sprofile picson dating apps symbolize a catch – or toxic bass-culinity.” Ask queer men and it’s unanimous: Reel us in, daddies. Do your own luring in a pair of Saxx’s Bite Me lined trunks, featuring a quick-dry shell in a gumball shade, full elastic waist, and the brand’s signature BallPark Pouch to keep your boys confi-

dent, cool and just a lil’ slippery when wet. $70, SaxxUnderwear.com

Fair Harbor Blue Paisley Bungalows

As an on-trend print, paisley comes and goes – but timing is perfect for the Persianpattern to make a comeback during Summer 2023, thanks to Fair Harbor’s stonewashed, sun-faded offering, which look just as stylish shirtless as they do dressed-up in demure denim button-downs or plain pique polos. $68, FairHarborClothing.com

Infamous Swim Amalfi Board Shorts

Swishy-wristed sun bums will wanna squeeze yo’ lemons when they catch a glimpse of your beach bod in Infamous Swim’s Hank board shorts in its tart-alizing Amalfi print that invites pinches and puckers. $79, InfamousSwim.com

Patrick T Cooper Be Cools

Pop art meets la playa in Patrick T Cooper’s mesh-lined, extra-light Be Cool trunks that’re bursting with enough color and Cubistcollage influence to make Picasso proud. $50, PatrickTCooper.com

Black Grillo Swim Briefs

You don’t need to book a flight to Rio to embrace the region’s signature sunga-style swim briefs – compassionately designed to be breathable up front and form-fitting in the back – and Brazil-based Black Grillo has you (barely) covered with its selection of mini and classic cuts in solid, floral, geometric and metallic colorways to keep your thighs out while the sky’s out. $30-$35, Shop.BlackGrillo.com

Along with these online retailers, check your favorite swimwear store for these and many more ideas for summer – or, your upcoming winter getaway. When you do, go head and ask for these by name. 

Photo courtesy of BigStock/Wavebreak Media