Queer Equity Institute

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.