2021 Pride Guide

12-15

WELCOME!

Hi! My name is Chelsea Diederich and I am the 2021 Fargo-Moorhead Pride Planning Committee Chair. The entire FM Pride Planning Committee welcomes you to our inclusive weekend of events.

This is my first year as chair for the committee, and I look forward to meeting more people in my role. My wife, Brittany, and I live in Fargo with our three rambunctious animals. We enjoy being with family and friends and traveling to new places.

I joined the committee to grow as a person, learn more about my community and make a difference for people. FM Pride is only one weekend a year, but the impact this weekend has is powerful. Whether it’s your first time attending a pride event, or you have been to many in years past, I hope we can connect so I can hear your stories and truths.

WHAT’S INSIDE

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

2021 PROUD PARTNERS

2021 GRAND MARSHAL CONRAD LARSON

ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

THE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC ON QUEER YOUTH

RED RIVER RAINBOW SENIORS

PROJECT R.A.I.

PRIDE PARADE ROUTE

I AM HOPEFUL

2021 PRIDE PLANNING COMMITTEE

PRIDE COLLECTIVE & COMMUNITY CENTER

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

This year showed us more than ever how important it is to rally together and support one another. Harmful legislation attacked transgender youth, which was ultimately vetoed by Governor Burgum. We need to work together to protect and amplify transgender peoples’ stories. We need to ask what they need from us and we need to listen. We need to be vigilant and watch for more legislation attempting to push down people for just living and existing as themselves. We have to stand up for what’s right to make an impact towards equal rights for all.

Our committee hopes you enjoy all that the weekend has to offer. Whether you are taking part in the virtual 5K, spending the afternoon at Pride in the Park, or cheering at the FM Pride Parade, we hope you are able to meet new people and most importantly feel comfortable being yourself.

As you celebrate, be sure to thank FM Pride’s growing number of sponsors, vendors, venues and volunteers who continue to ensure that each year is a memorable one.

Happy Pride!

2021 FM Pride Planning Committee Chair

OF EVENTS

FAMILY SKATE NIGHT | 6:30PM

Skate City ND • 3302 Interstate Blvd S, Fargo

LGBTQ+ TRIVIA & KARAOKE | 8PM

Rhombus Guys Pizza • 606 Main Ave, Fargo

PRIDE VINYL NIGHT | 8PM

Front Street Taproom • 614 Main Ave, Fargo

YOUTH PRIDE DRAG SHOW | 7PM

Avalon Events Center • 2525 9th Ave S, Fargo

PRIDE DANCE PARTY | 10PM

Millennium Ballroom • Avalon Events Center • 2525 9th Ave S, Fargo

VIRTUAL PRIDE 5K

Anytime • Anywhere

PRIDE IN THE PARK | 11AM

Island Park • 616 1st Ave S., Fargo

PRIDE BLOCK PARTY | 5PM

PRIDE INTERFAITH SERVICE | 12:30PM

Fargo Theatre • 314 Broadway N, Fargo

PRIDE PARADE | 2PM

Downtown Fargo • Starting at NP & Broadway

POST PARADE CELEBRATION

Broadway Square | 201 Broadway N, Fargo Fargo Brewing Company • 610 University Dr N, Fargo

ICE CREAM SOCIAL | 4PM

Pride Collective & Community Center • 1105 1st Ave S., Fargo

21+ Event PAID EVENT

PROUD PARTNERS

2021

Moorhead Hardware

Eide

INSPIRED TO BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

Learn

Larson Conrad Meet GRAND MARSHAL

How did you react when you were told you were selected as Grand Marshal? Were you surprised?

Honestly, I was aware Faye had nominated me for this and even just the nomination kind of floored me. She’s someone I really admire and appreciate. I didn’t expect the nomination to go anywhere, though. I’m just a guy who shows up to things and does what I can to help people. When I think I have something to say, I try to say it. When I see injustice or bigotry, I seek to change it. It’s really wild to be honored in this way. Especially since I know so many others in our community do this kind of stuff.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born and mostly raised in Alexandria, Minnesota. I’m currently working in sales but aspire to teach history. I’m very proudly queer, transgender, and christian. My pronouns are he/they. The combination of how I was raised by my politically engaged family, my religious convictions and my personal experiences as a marginalized person have made me the man, and activist, I am today.

What are you most excited for at this years FM Pride Celebration?

I can remember the first time I ever went to a pride event in my life. That was Twin Cities pride in 2017. It was the first time in my entire life that I existed truly as myself in public. I put on a they/them pronoun sticker, which I have since moved

to my wallet. I wasn’t out to really anyone at the time, except for one of my best friends. We went together, and I felt so accepted and loved and safe! I am just so excited to see so many people experiencing that here in Fargo!

As part of your nomination, Faye Seidler shared a video of you speaking at City Hall. Can you tell us a little more about what you were speaking about? What was the outcome, if any, from this and how did it make you feel?

On April 6th, some dude showed up at the city commission meeting in lipstick and a wig and spent two and a half minutes mocking trans people - trans women in particular. He spoke with so much vitriol…. I watched the video of his speech and the reaction he got from the city commissioners afterwords while I was on vacation. I couldn’t stop thinking of the message being sent to so many trans people. My blood boiled. Trans people have been scapegoated by so many people for so long, but it’s really ramped up lately. This year alone, over 100 antitrans bills have been put forward in the US. We are under attack and all we want to do is just live and be treated with dignity and respect. To make matters worse, Deputy Mayor Peipkorn made it very clear he stood with the hate speech that was shared.

The big point I wanted to make by speaking was simply that our community will not stand for hate, and our community can and should feel empowered to make positive change. We are not powerless if we unite.

Tell us about your role in getting hate crime legislation in Fargo.

Like I said earlier, I’m just a guy who shows up to things, and I meant that. Its important to me that people know that. We all have different strengths and if we work together using our skills, that’s when we are most able to make change. My involvement with the hate crimes legislation was that I showed up to city commission meetings wearing my “trans rights are human rights” shirt. A lot of us showed up and showed support. I think my speech in response to the blatant transphobia probably helped solidify the need for hate crimes legislation, but honestly the credit goes to everyone who showed up, and that’s a lot of it. Also I just want to share that Arden Light is an amazing guy. I think he’s like only 19, but he’s one of the hardest working and most passionate activists I know. Seriously. He put a lot of effort in the hate crimes legislation.

Are there any other organizations that you are involved in?

In the last year or so I’ve been quite active in Black Lives Matter protests and anti-racist actions around the city. For me, this has meant helping volunteers in the community by handing out water and snacks at events. Most recently, several of us activists went to a racist anti public education event being hosted in Moorhead and called them out for sharing racist and LGBTQ-phobic propaganda. I believe strongly

that white folks in the LGBTQ+ community like myself need to be just as involved in movements and actions in support of our BIPOC neighbors as we are in actions for LGBTQ+ rights.

What does Pride mean to you?

Pride means radical love for myself and my community. Pride means resilience.

What advice do you have for those that are struggling with gender identity?

Honestly, don’t beat yourself up about it if you’re not always completely sure. Do what feels right, go at a pace that’s comfortable. Find people you trust and try different nicknames or pronouns and see

how you feel. Know you don’t have to ever stick with a decision if it doesn’t feel right after a while. If you can afford it, go to a counselor.

What is the one thing you want people who are opposed to transgender people to know?

We are people. We are in your city. In your workplaces. In your families. In your churches, mosques, synagogues. We exist and you know us, even if you don’t realize it. And we deserve to be treated with love and respect.

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN MN: A RRRS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

BY TAMMY SJ LANAGHAN

At midnight on August 1, 2013, eighteen couples stood before Judges Michelle Lawson and Lisa Borgen, in the Clay County courtroom in Moorhead, Minnesota, and recited their marriage vows. What made this moment historic was that these were lesbian and gay couples. After many years of unsuccessfully advocating for equal access to the legal institution of marriage in Minnesota, these thirtysix individuals finally were granted permission by the state to take up the rights and responsibilities of that status.

As we approach the tenth anniversary of this historic moment, the Red River Rainbow Seniors (RRRS) Oral History Project will partner with the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County (HCSCC) to conduct interviews with these couples and other individuals that were involved in the ceremony (judges, witnesses, guests, family members). The intent of the project is to preserve the memories of the wedding ceremony and to record the reflections of the participants on the impact their legal marriage has had on their lives personally, socially, and legally.

All materials will be deposited with the HCSCC, the Minnesota Historical Society, and the “Breaking Barriers: Harvesting LGBTQ Stories from the Northern Plains” collection at the NDSU Archives. RRRS and HCSCC plan to develop an exhibit at the Hjemkomst to celebrate the 10th anniversary in the summer of 2023. Please stop by the Red River Rainbow Seniors booth at Pride in the Park follow Breaking Barriers on Facebook: @BreakingBarriersLGBTQ. For further inquiries: redriverrainboworalhistory@ gmail.com.

This project was made possible in part by the people of Minnesota through a grant funded by an appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Any views, findings, opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Historical Society, or the Minnesota Historic Resources Advisory Committee.

The Red River Rainbow Seniors and the Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County plan to develop an exhibit at the Hjemkomst to celebrate the 10th anniversary in the summer of 2023.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Stop by the Red River Rainbow Seniors booth at Pride in the Park follow Breaking Barriers on Facebook: @BreakingBarriersLGBTQ. For further inquiries: redriverrainboworalhistory@gmail.com.

The opportunities are endless when you begin at Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Get ahead with a career or technical degree that will get you into the workforce quickly, or earn a transfer degree. M State is the flexible, affordable and personal option for higher education in the F-M area.

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Recognizing and promoting diversity means having an appreciation for difference. At Wells Fargo, we welcome and value the insights and perspectives drawn from unique life experiences. It is those distinctive viewpoints that provide us with the fresh thinking we need to help all our customers reach their financial goals.

We are proud to be part of Fargo-Moorhead Pride.

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THE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC ON QUEER YOUTH

BY: JOSH ANDRES

I see you, I support you, and I love you… no matter what.

Every human deserves and needs to hear these words… but unfortunately these aren’t words every child hears in their world. As I reflect on how the pandemic impacted our students, I have to say that every student was impacted in some way. For example, some students felt relieved as they no longer had to muster up enough courage to attend school while their social anxiety hit all-time highs. Others, and I would argue most others, felt a wide range of mixed, complicated, heavy, and new emotions.

As an adult with self-regulation skills, a supportive community, and the safe space to process my feelings I still struggled many times throughout the pandemic *insert heightened levels of anxiety and chronic stress*. Many of our students experienced similar feelings as they suddenly lost control of most, if not all, areas of their lives. Additionally, the adults they typically sought for comfort and reassurance weren’t always able to provide that safety as even adults weren’t sure what would happen next.

When I reflect on how our queer students were impacted by the pandemic in particular, my mind keeps going back to the concept of a “safe space.” Research continues to confirm the concerning statistics of LGBTQ+ youth being at a higher risk for suicidal ideation - with that risk multiplying when a safe space isn’t available. For many students, school is that safe space where they may first explore sexual identity, come out to trusted friends or staff, and / or escape an environment that is unsafe. When COVID-19 impacted our schools on

March 15, 2020, this safe space suddenly became unavailable. Over time, this space was available on a rotating hybrid schedule or only virtually for students who opted in for full distance learning.

This is why PRIDE is important. Representation matters. Safe spaces matter. Inclusion and community matter. After a long time of isolation and darkness, my hope is our queer youth (and adults!) remember that it really does get better. I encourage everyone reading this to consider being a safe space for someone. I also encourage anyone reading this that needs additional support to please ask for help. There is absolutely no shame in needing help. As our local PRIDE approaches, let this be a reminder that we need each other through the highs and lows of life. I’ll end with a quote I kept playing through my mind this year like a track on repeat: “Take care of yourself. And if you are good, help take care of others.”

Josh is a high school Professional School Counselor with Fargo Public Schools and is pictured here with his husband, Benny.

(Benny left / Josh right).

Happy Pride! The past year we have been continuing to work on visibility within the FM community and the Red River Valley. We have also worked at solidifying the structure of the group itself to insure its longevity. We have monthly organizational meetings and happy hour socials, as well as seasonal dances. Several book clubs meet monthly. As we grow, we plan to have a variety of social opportunities for our members.

We participate in and help fund the annual ND LBGTQ+ Summit in Mandan. LGBTQ+ folks from across the state have been gathering in person and over Zoom to talk about community, legislative, and personal issues that face us in North Dakota.

During the COVID pandemic, we prepared a plan to educate agencies and providers in the community about the needs of LGBT seniors, to network with agencies and providers to ensure that LGBTQ+ elders’ medical, housing, and living needs are met, and to network with similar organizations around the country. We will begin by meeting with long-term care facilities (assisted living facilities and nursing homes) and providers concerning status of conditions and policies related to LGBTQ+ client/patients, and offering assistance in education.

In November 2017, the Red River Rainbow Seniors began an oral history project, “Breaking Barriers: Harvesting LGBTQ+ Stories from the Northern Plains,” focusing on older LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Over 120 people have been interviewed. The original digital files and the transcriptions of the oral histories will be available in the North Dakota State University Archives. You can contact us about Breaking Barriers by emailing RRRS or contacting the oral history project directly at: redriverrainboworalhistory@ gmail.com or check out it out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ BreakingBarriersLGBTQ/

Once again during 2021 FM Pride, we’ll have a booth on Saturday at Pride in the Park and hope you will stop and chat.

Red River Rainbow Seniors is an organization dedicated to providing advocacy, education, support, and fun to the elder LGBTQ+ community in the Red River Valley.

Alexis Mateo Alexis Mateo

Currently residing in Las Vegas, NV, Alexis Mateo has entertained audiences across the country and all over the world. While her pageant titles are too many to name, she achieved international fame appearing on RuPauls Drag Race, not once, not twice, but 3 times! Season 3, All Stars Season 1, and most recently All Stars Season 5. We are extremely excited to experience the Puerto Rican Goddess herself!

Nina DiAngelo is excited to spend yet another Pride with the beautiful people of Fargo/Moorhead. “Fargo is by far my favorite out of town gig…. Missing last year really hurt, but we will make up for it this year!” Nina has moved back home to Minneapolis and is excited to be opening Roxy’s Cabaret, a new cabaret space this fall.

Alexis Mateo Nina DiAngelo Monica West

For 35 years Monica West has been one of the premier Twin Cities entertainers in the drag industry. Her talent and passion on stage has created a lasting legacy as the “Power House Performer among her peers and fans. She has recently returned to Minneapolis where she will be one of the headliners at Roxy’s Cabaret.. opening this fall.

Genevee Love

Genevee Love is a staple in the Minneapolis Drag Scene. She is a fierce pageant competitor and amazing entertainer … she promises to cartwheel and death drop her way into your hearts this pride !

DJ Joyride

DJ Joyride spent 13 years in Fargo-Moorhead spreading feel-good, electronic-influenced dance sounds with his work through KNDS Radio and Icedbreaks Entertainment. He returns again to drive the sound track to the PRIDE Block Party at Fargo Brewing Co. on Saturday. We will celebrate love in all its forms, sing along to great anthems and then get wild when the drag show begins.

Helping youth become their most authentic selves

Mission Youth Groups Contact Us

Here at Project RAI, we are driven by a single goal; to reduce the statistics of suicide in LGBTQ+ youth. We work with youth to affirm their existence and help them become their most authentic selves. We also work with their supportive adults to build trust and confidence on their journey of supporting their LGBTQ+ youth.

Reinforcing our Commitment

Our mission is to support children no matter who they are. We will work with youth 3-15 to support their journey in becoming comfortable with who they are. We want to make sure they know they have an ally in their corner as they make the tough journey to their identity. We will never put a child down for being their most authentic self.

Supportive Adults

One Step at a Time.

At Project RAI, one of our goals is to support adult caregivers of gender queer children. We will meet monthly to discuss the unique challenges, bright spots, and questions that arise when raising a child who is LGBTQ. We can also support families by giving them resources to other professionals who might be able to guide them in their parenting journey.

projectraifm@gmail.com | projectraifm.org | facebook.com/ProjectRAIfm

Fargo-Moorhead

Fargo has pride in our community, pride in the differences, and pride in our North of Normal selves. Visit Fargo-Moorhead is proud to sponsor and promote an event where we can come together and celebrate an amazing group of people who bring such color to our lives every day of the year.

SUNDAY AUGUST 15

2PM | BROADWAY/NP AVE

Post Parade Celebration immediately following Parade at BROADWAY SQUARE

FMGMC is a group of Gay/Bi/Supportive Men/male identified people aged Youth to Adult, in the Fargo-Moorhead area who love to sing & want to share our talents with our community.

Our chorus provides a safe and inclusive space where singers can grow through performance & social interaction while campaigning unceasingly for equality & justice for the LGBTQ+ community and forging alliances to make our voices heard.

Our purpose is to use music to change the general publics image & attitudes toward the gay community, to provide high quality choral performances & to make the world a better place.

I AM HOPEFUL

BY: KATRINA KOESTERMAN

Hello again to all of my siblings of every gender. My name is Katrina Jo Koesterman, President of Tristate Transgender. Two years ago, I said that I was angry, and a number of you cheered in agreement. This year, I am hopeful. I am hopeful because we finally have an administration who seems to acknowledge our existence as a positive rather than a negative. I am hopeful because our community is coming together to fight back against oppression.

This year, a number of states, including North Dakota, tried to introduce legislation to further destroy the rights of our Transgender Youth. In spite of this, we came together as a community and were able to secure a veto from Governor Burgum for HB 1298. Together we can continue to fight with our votes and our voices to prevent stripping our rights. It is the responsibility and privilege of all of us to work together towards this end.

This year, like every other, the number of names we read at the Transgender Day of Remembrance Service grew, names of our Transgender siblings whose lives were snuffed out by violence. This is a disturbing pattern, but we can come together to help prevent more death. One day, we won’t have a service, because there will be no names to read. We can and we will eradicate violence against our community, because together we are powerful.

Look around you. Your family still needs you. They need your support, especially our youth and our people of color. A member of our youth with just one supportive adult in their life is significantly less likely to die from suicide, and together we must stand up against the violence befalling our family of color. We need to stop fighting amongst

ourselves, stop trying to quantify who isn’t “trans enough” or “gay enough” and recognize that we are all part of the same community. As Transgender Liason for the FM Pride Planning Committee, please come to me if you see or hear any violent word or action against our community, and we will work together to fix it. I am so filled with hope and encouragement that we are capable of achieving this goal.

We are a strong and enduring family. My anger and rage has been replaced by hope because of all of you. We can and we will take back the rights that are taken away from us, and once we have them, we will defend them. I believe in this because I believe in all of you. Have a Safe and Happy Pride.

Happy Pride!

A PROUD supporter of F.M. Pride since the beginning!

Happy Pride!

PLANNING COMMITTEE 2021

RACHEL

PRIDE COLLECTIVE & COMMUNITY CENTER

BY: KATRINA KOESTERMAN

Hello! This is your friendly Neighbor Katrina Jo with another article for the Pride Guide! This year, we’re talking about the incredible resources and opportunities available at the Pride Collective and Community Center. Not to be confused with the FM Pride Planning Committee, the PCCC is the fiscal agent for Pride, Tristate Transgender, FM Rainbow Seniors, Kaleidoscope, and other local support groups. We’re also a safe place to come hang out on the weekends. Please allow me to gush a little bit about what we’re about.

The first thing you should know about the PCCC is that we’re a safe space to come and hang out. We’re located at 1105 1st Ave S in Fargo, and our open hours are from 12 noon to 4 PM every Saturday and Sunday with some holidays excluded. During that time

is our local chapter of Tristate Transgender, a local transgender and gender nonconforming support and social group. Also meeting at the center is FM Rainbow Seniors, a group for the old guard, and our space is open for more support and social groups as they form! We also work with various organizations in the area to try to provide accurate information about local resources, so please feel free to come in and ask questions.

Finally, the PCCC is a great place to come and volunteer. Whether you want to help organize our growing library and resources, help plan and organize events, or start a support/social group of your own, we’re happy to work with you! One of our biggest needs currently is finding someone to help organize and run a group for the Gen Xers

you can check out a book from our library, get some friends together to play a board game, or just sit and chat and watch TV with yours truly. Everyone is welcome during open hours so long as they respect each other and the community! I hope to see you there!

Another great thing about the PCCC is that we’re a hub for local support groups and resources. Currently meeting at the PCCC

and Millenials to hang out and chat. If that sounds like you, feel free to stop in! Fargo-Moorhead is and has been good to our community, and part of that is having a safe space like the PCCC to go to and hang out. Whether you want to volunteer, need resources, or just want a safe space to be, the Pride Collective and Community Center has you covered. Please visit us when you have the chance at fmpridecollective.org and have a safe and happy Pride!

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

These local community organizations are working for LGBTQ+ people in our area and in our communities, so that we can grow and continue to be a safe, welcoming place for all! We urge you to support these organizations in a way that is meaningful for you; volunteerism, attending events, financial donations, or simply following and sharing their messages on social media!

fmpride.com

fmgmc.org

fmpridecollective.org

fmlgbtff.com