Minneapolis Review

Earlier on June 22, 2023, Mayor Jacob Frey and Council President Andrea Jenkins joined leaders from OutFront Minnesota, Transforming Families, Rainbow Health, and Twin Cities Pride to celebrate Minneapolis and Minnesota as safe and welcoming places for the LGBTQ+ community and allies – and as trans refuge jurisdictions for individuals, families, and medical service providers seeking gender-affirming care. Additionally, Mayor Frey proclaimed this coming weekend as “Twin Cities Pride Weekend” in the City of Minneapolis. The proclamation coincides with the same days as the Twin Cities Pride Festival, which runs June 23-25 at Loring Park and Parade Park.  

In the past year, the City of Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota made significant policy changes and investments to protect and empower LGBTQ+ communities and provide a safe and welcoming place for anyone who visits, lives, or works here. Last December, Mayor Frey signed an executive order protecting the rights of people seeking gender-affirming health care in Minneapolis, and in April of this year, State leaders advanced HF 146/SF 63. Local organizations like OutFront Minnesota, Transforming Families, and Rainbow Health are part of the Moving to Minnesota coalition, a partnership that stands ready to welcome those relocating to Minnesota for gender-affirming care by supporting, collaborating, and connecting with organizations that serve newcomers.

Full text of the proclamation recognizing Twin Cities Pride Weekend is available below and attached.

WHEREAS, the mission of Twin Cities Pride is to empower every LGBTQ+ person to live authentically and unapologetically as their true self; and 

WHEREAS, the vision of Twin Cities Pride is a space where all LGBTQ+ people are valued and celebrated for who they are; and  

WHEREAS, Twin Cities Pride first began as a march down Minneapolis’ Nicollet Mall in 1972 in recognition of the third anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City; and  

WHEREAS, since 1972, Minneapolis has been home to Pride’s annual establishment, transitioning from a small gathering of softball, picnics, and dancing, to a nationally renowned and widely-attended celebration of oneself; and  

WHEREAS, Twin Cities Pride now welcomes hundreds of thousands of attendees to celebrate and uplift our local LGBTQ+ communities and allies; and  

WHEREAS, this year’s Twin Cities Pride Theme is Elevate and Amplify, symbolizing the growing need to understand and act with intentionality and purpose to draw attention to and highlight the voices and work of members in the LGBTQ+ community; and  

WHEREAS, Twin Cities Pride has provided critical precedent and support in promoting small, Minneapolis-based BIPOC and LGBTQ+ businesses; and  

WHEREAS, Twin Cities Pride has grown to include a weekend-long festival, march, 5k run, and kick-off celebration, in addition to the multitude of festivals and block parties throughout the city; and  

WHEREAS, The City of Minneapolis has consistently declared its commitment to furthering transgender equity and supporting the LGBTQ+ community; and 

WHEREAS, Mayor Frey signed Executive Order 2022-04 in December of 2022, which recognized Minneapolis as a safe haven for those seeking gender-affirming health care in the city; and  

WHEREAS, the City of Minneapolis is committed to incorporating LGBTQ+ voices throughout the City’s decision-making process and connecting the LGBTQ+ individuals to community-based resources; and 

WHEREAS, the City of Minneapolis is proud to be home to Twin Cities Pride and celebrates the past, current, and future efforts for every LGBTQ+ person to live as their true self.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JACOB FREY, Mayor of the City of Minneapolis, do hereby proclaim June 23rd - 25th, 2023 as: 

TWIN CITIES PRIDE WEEKEND IN THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS

Original source can be found here.