Queer Equity Institute

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Owatonna, MN
Queer Equity Institute

2SLGBTQIA+ leaders building civic engagement and Q***r leadership 🌈🏳️‍⚧️🗳️ The Q***r Equity Institute supports Q***r leadership. Social capital is real.

We aim to equip Q***r people with everything they need to be civic stewards and political leaders in their communities in Minnesota and beyond. At the Q***r Equity Institute, we are creating a diverse network of q***r leaders to who want to make our democracy a more equitable place for all. We believe everybody has a right to be a part of civic society and become the leader they so choose. By empo

wering q***r leaders with opportunities to directly impact public policy, we can break down both the visible and invisible barriers to engagement in civic and political processes. Our democracy has constructed many barriers intended to decrease participation in social and civic engagement and political candidacy. Adding the ever-rising financial costs of participation, and deep-rooted systemic issues within the party system, and it is no surprise that minority and vulnerable populations remain isolated from the political process. This continued segregation and lack of inclusivity are detrimental to true democracy. Fixing this problem is what drives the Q***r Equity Institute. The free time to do necessary research, outreach, and networking is a privilege. The lack of structural support needed such as friends, a home, access to resources, or a safety net, can hinder a variety of voices from engaging in the civic process. The q***r community has a long history of organizing, and yet, LGBTQ+ people still are not a protected class in every state in the United States. We are 10 percent of the population of the United States but hold only 0.2% of the elected positions. The Q***r Equity Institute is building a pathway to true representation.

12/12/2025

Hello friends and fellow organizers,
I am writing to let you know that I have officially resigned both of my roles at Q***r Equity Institute—Executive Director and Board Chair. This was not an easy decision, but it has become clear that I am unable to maintain my role at the capitol in the capacity necessary while also steering the ship at QEI. The world is moving too fast, and the work of justice is too demanding to equitably split the time.

I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished at Q***r Equity Institute in the three years since the organization was founded by our little crew of dedicated collaborators. And I have the utmost confidence in the staff and board that we have now who will take QEI into the future. There is so much work to be done, and QEI will continue to shepherd its portion of that work for a fairer, and more just future for all.

Thank you for your support of this organization so far, and I urge you to continue that support into the future.

Onward,
Leigh Finke

11/15/2025

Give To The Max is on November 20th!
Support QEI at givemn.org/QEI

08/06/2025

Range Iron Pride @ Iron Trail Motors Event Center on Saturday, August 9th from 10a-4p!

Stop by the QEI booth for swag and info from QEI, Family Tree Clinic, and Vote Run Lead Action!

https://rangeironpride.org/range-iron-pride-festival

07/09/2025

Range Iron Pride is 1-month away. We are super excited to hang out in Virginia, MN with our friends from Vote Run Lead Action. Stop by our booth at Range Iron Pride on Saturday, August 9th at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center!

06/21/2025

We’re here at Desi Pride ***rmunitymn

Stop by until 3:30pm!

06/13/2025

This Saturday, June 14!

QEI will be tabling at Hastings Pride, but there are many amazing events to checkout on Saturday if you are not in Hastings!

Visit https://www.nokings.org/ to find a location near you!

In St Paul? Check out NO KINGS TC and the Trans Artist Market!

06/11/2025

Repost

SHARE & REPOST !!
MONDAY (06-09-25)- A local activist and artist, Isavela Lopez, was kidnapped in broad daylight after a press conterence discussing an incident where she was brutalized by an FBI agent last week. It appeared unmarked agents and vehicles were ready to sn**ch her after the press conference. The ask is that folks show up ready to demand her immediate release. Be prepared to make noise, meet resistance like state surveillance, and to pivot as needed for the safety of the collective. To the best of our knowledge, Isa is being held at Sherburne County Jail in Elk River Minnesota, where we intend to hold a rally and noise demo to stand in solidarity with Isa and demand her release and dismissal of all charges. Tomorrow, 06/11 is also International Prisoner Solidarity Day. The government is cracking down on our first amendment rights and Isavela, is a crucial defender of those rights and the rest of our inalienable human rights.
She is also an environmental justice advocate, and multidisciplinary artist and much more.
Isavela fights for us daily and we need to fight for her.

06/10/2025

Give OUT until June 30! Keep giving at giveoutday.org/QEI

Amplify Your Impact!
There are up to 70 prize opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations during Give OUT Day 2025! Each gift you make to QEI during Give OUT Day enters us to win a prize!

06/07/2025

We’re having a great time in Central Park for Northfield Pride!

Stop by booth 55!

06/05/2025

Support QEI on Give Out Day! Give today at giveoutday.org/QEI

Every dollar makes a difference!
giveoutday.org/QEI

05/31/2025

Join QEI this Pride Month! We believe Pride should be more than a celebration—it should be a catalyst for meaningful change. Pride is where visibility meets action. QEI will be at 10 pride events across Minnesota this summer. We'll also have some awesome swag, resources and information from our Pride Sponsors and and our Pride Partner .

Visit our booth at:
Northfield Pride in the Park- June 7
Hastings Pride - June 14
Itasca Pride - June 22
MN Peoples Pride - June 28

Interested in volunteering? Sign up at bit.ly/QEIpride

Give Out Day is on June 5th, but early giving has already begun! Donate or start a fundraiser to support our work: giveoutday.org/QEI

05/29/2025

Family Tree Clinic is a safe, welcoming space for all bodies, identities, and stories. Sliding-scale fees, LGBTQ+ affirming care, and zero shame—just real support. Grateful for clinics like this! 👏

🔗 Learn more: familytreeclinic.org

IMAGE DESCRIPTION--
Image 1: Blue background with white and yellow text
QEI 2025 Pride Sponsor
Family Tree Clinic

Since 1971, Family Tree Clinic has been cultivating a healthy community through comprehensive sexual health care and education. They serve over 20,000 people each year.

Learn more at: familytreeclinic.org

Image 2: Colorful mural with flowers and butterflies with text over it
Family Tree Clinic is not just a healthcare provider; it's a healing space where people come to receive joyful and affirming care and education.

Stop by our QEI Pride booth as we travel across the state for more info and *swag* from Family Tree Clinic!

Family Tree Clinic 2025 Pride Sponsor

Address

Owatonna, MN
55060

Website

http://queerequityinstitute.org/

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