Lavender Magazine 740

Photo by Carla Waldemar, 22: Photo by Sophia Hantzes, 25: Photo courtesy of Compassion &

Photo courtesy of BigStock/kathclick

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, 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

Bookkeeper & Office Manager Sede Vacante 612-436-4664

Administrative Assistant Michael Winikoff 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)

LAVENDER MEDIA, INC.

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612-436-4660 Subscriptions/Distribution

612-436-4660 Lavender Advertising

Welcome to our Drink UP! Issue, where we celebrate all things alcoholic drinks!

Before we dive in, let me go over a few economic facts about the alcoholic drink business…

It is projected that in 2023 that revenues from sales of alcoholic drinks will amount to $283.8 billion.

The market will grow by 5.5% over 2022.

The largest segment in this market remains the beer business. That alone should net revenues of about $120.6 billion.

Only 6.3% of all alcoholic drink sales will be generated online.

The average per person consumption of alcoholic drinks in the U.S.A. is 96.46 liters.

One trend that is on the rise is the presence of independent breweries, such as Urban Growler and Modist — two of which are featured in this issue. While national sales for beer are down by 3%, the share of independent breweries is now at 13.2% of total beer sales.

A Toast To You!

BY RANDY STERN

No matter what we drink, we always had a history with alcoholic beverages. The bars were our first sanctuary even before the Stonewall Riots. After all, our liberation movement exploded because of a raid at a bar.

Until a few years ago, the first question anyone had to find our people led them to the bars. Now, we socialize everywhere — at home, the nearby restaurant, etc.

We still love our drink, but our choices have been elevated and diversified. Minnesota even has a burgeoning viniculture that only a few outside of our region know about.

We also offered our own distilled drinks and are creative when it comes to microbreweries. In regard to the latter, we asked a local retailer about what’s hot in the distilled drink world.

In putting together this issue for you, I am reminded that there is a level of responsibility required when talking about this subject. So, I ask for some leeway when being judged on our approach to this issue.

In my advance research, I found that there were no real and honest breakout statistics regarding the LGBTQ+ market and the alcoholic business. Instead, I found that any reference to LGBTQ+ alcoholic consumption is related to the affects in our community. While they were higher than average in total alcoholic consumption and abuse, several reports show improvement in terms of lower rates of alcoholism in our community.

Therefore, I have this one caveat for you. If you drink, please do so responsibly. We want you here to read the next issue and the many others after that.

For those of you who enjoy a good drink, let me assure you that this issue of the magazine is a no judgment zone. So, let’s toast and celebrate our local drink scene! 

NOTE: All data quoted in this column are from statista.com

Attachments All The Way Down

BY E.B. BOATNER

When I was little, my folks often read to me or told me stories. Occasionally, Dad related history, most memorably the fate of a big ship, the biggest, most luxurious ever to sail: RMS Titanic.

“She set out to take 2,223 souls across the Atlantic from England to New York,” he began …”but never made it. An iceberg breached her hull; passengers fought for space in lifeboats (too few). On the tilting deck the band stood fast playing Nearer, My God to Thee, as they slipped into Eternity.”

Come morning I was all afire to share with Miss Parisse, my kindergarten teacher who I adored. Too many beats passed before she asked, “Did that really happen?” I went home in high dudgeon for Dad’s assurance.

“She never heard of the Titanic?” he exploded in a dudgeon higher than mine. I realize now, Dad would have been nine in 1912, when Titanic was right on the doorstep.

Titanic embedded itself somewhere inside me. Not a Titanic-phile, I rather absorbed a Titanic awareness. Whether I was in class, out roller-skating, reading Donald Duck comics, that vast ship remained immobile down there…somewhere

In 1985, by chance, “Somewhere” turned out

to be 12,500 feet down in the North Atlantic, some 400 nautical miles off Newfoundland. The bow lay specifically at 41°43’57”N 49°56’49”W, numbers that meant nothing even to adult me, while dark, silent, alone resonated. That Titanic could now be seen, be visited even remotely by humans was powerful. What remained? Was anyone still there?

Among the 57,000 photos and hours of video from submarine Alvin’s first manned descent in 1986 was a pair of shoes on the ocean floor. Their owner, like all others’ fleshly remains, long-ago consumed by the sea and its denizens.

I saw A Night to Remember in 1958 but not the later, flashier versions. What most recently made the doomed vessel surface in memory was the recent tragic–yet predictable–implosion of the Titan submersible and its five Titanic-bound “Mission Specialists” The biggest mystery, was the presence of Pierre-Henri Nargeolet.

Considered by many “Titanic’s greatest explorer,” Nargeolet had made 37 descents to the Titanic’s remains, was Director of Underwater Research at RMS Titanic, Inc., holder of sole legal rights to items in the Titanic. Items on display through that company were discovered either under his su-

pervision or personally. Widely and affectionately known as “Mr. Titanic,” why would he seal himself into jerry-rigged Titan?

Recent articles in The New York Times and Washington Post indicate in large large part his yearning to revisit the decaying eminence, as well as hoping he might be of some assistance if needed, although he–of all involved– knew how splitsecond that would be.

To a friend attempting to dissuade him, the 77-year-old Nargeolet replied he was an elderly widower, and, “If you have to go, that would be a good way. Instant.” Instant, and with the ship. In a photo taken 31 May, 2013, Nargeolet stands over a display case holding a small model of the disintegrating bow of RMS Titanic. A publicity shot at a Parisian exhibition, yes, but his is not a publicity face. One viscerally feels the pull of the vessel for the man, of the man’s yearning to join the mighty fallen.

Nargeolet’s own embedded attachment lives on in his belief that; “Everyone has a right to dream about TITANIC, to see the wreck if they want, and to see artifacts. It should not be the privilege of a small group of people.” 

Tracing Roots in Germany

BY CARLA WALDEMAR

I’m back in the land of my roots. My mother’s kin hailed from Germany way-back-when, so every time I visit, I feel a special bond. Even more so on this visit, because I’ve made it my mission to explore a special feature of my heritage: the history of the country’s Jews.

That history is as deep as it is checkered.

I started my trail in Frankfurt. After shedding jet lag in the newly-refurbished Westin, I headed for Romer, the Old Town’s historic square, to meet my guide through the city’s Jewish history. At the firstever Parliament convened here in 1848, a Jew was tapped to help write the new Constitution. But, less than a hundred years later, in 1938, the city’s Jewish mayor was forced to flee the Nazis.

Jews had arrived here as traders with the Roman army and stayed on under the protection of the Bishop, until the plague—clearly the “fault of the Jews,” the usual scapegoats—incited the first pogrom. The pogrom of 1938 was the last of many.

Today the Museum Judengasse anchors the former ghetto, unearthing the remains of homes and streets where life once flourished. A second Jewish museum records 800 years of local family life, ranging from the wealthy Rothschilds to Anne Frank’s family. Before the war, 30,000 Jews lived here; at its end, 150 survived. This evening as I wander through Sachenhausen, the “Brooklyn” to Frankfurt’s “Manhattan,” a shopkeeper kindly guides me to my dinner site when I become lost in the tangle of its streets. Kindness reigns once again.

By morning’s light I hop a train for Mainz, one of three cities (with Worms and Speyer—abbreviated as SchUM) collectively designated as a UN World Heritage site in 2021. And, of course, I arrive hungry. Monika, the uber-concierge at the Rhine-side Hilton, steers me straight to the market square, dominated by a stately cathedral, used for coronations since 975. Its tiny gem of a museum holds precious statues of many a medieval saint.

Wilma Wunder, an inviting café with tables on the square, ideal for people-watching, feeds me lunch daily—everything from Caesar salad to cheesy spaetzle noodles and of course, the ice cream that every German seems to require as part of his MDR.

Near it stands a museum devoted to local boymade-good, Herr Gutenberg: and yes, it holds a copy of the very first printed Bible, big as a phone book. Up the hill (and worth the climb) stands St. Stephen’s, a petite chapel that punches well above its weight in beauty, with spectacular stained-glass windows by none other than Marc Chagall.

But back to my mission! I hop a train to Mainz, a city boasting over 2,000 years of history, which anchors one of the very oldest Jewish settlements in the land. It’s an epicenter for scholarship, starting in the tenth century. By the 1300s, in this “Jerusalem on the Rhine,” it’s the usual story of plagues, pogroms and expulsions, but by the 1700s, it flourished once more as the centerpoint for Central European trade.

My guide, Claudia, leads me through the Jewish cemetery, launched in the 1700s—the oldest and biggest, she says, in Central Europe, with its 1,500 moss-covered tombstones, including some salvaged from an earlier site dating back to 1049. Later, Jews were made equal citizens by Napoleon as he marched through Mainz.

Then on to the new—the amazing New Synagogue of 2010, erected on the site of a longstanding one destroyed in 1938’s Kristellnacht mayhem. Its silhouette, in shimmering green tiles, assumes the shape of Hebrew letters, while Hebrew words blanket the interior walls as well. The congregation’s precious Torah was whisked out during WWII’s pogrom and hidden in a Catholic seminary, which, after the end of the war, returned it to its new home.

As I stroll along the Rhine that flows near my hotel, I spot a plaque marking the Nazis’ infamous book burning. Later, in the Archaeology Museum—a little gem of local history starting with a magnificent mosaic floor from Roman times—I’m thrilled to discover not only Roman coins and daggers and such, but also thousand-year-old Jewish gravestones with their time-worn Hebrew letters.

Mainz also won my heart (and palate) as a swell restaurant town. Hof Ehrenfels boasts a magical garden courtyard in which to enjoy a savory pork schnitzel (or the burgers I spied on nearby tables), while Heiliggeist (“Holy Ghost”)—housed in a former church—delivered its own version of that savory artform. And so did tiny, welcoming Weinbar Wilhelmi, where I sipped a glass of Grau Burgunder amid the locals. Life is wunderbar as, in early morning, I set off for Worms—another town of the Middle Ages tucked inside a city wall constructed in 900 A.D.

Jews were granted the right of residence inside it on Judengasse Street, gated at both ends, and in 1036 a synagogue was built. By 1212, an adjoining women’s section provided holes in the wall to enable the ladies to listen to the men-only services. In fact, by 1275 a female cantor was employed. A mikvah (ritual bath), too.

Main Square Frankfurt.

Photos by Carla Waldemar

Life proceeded peacefully until the 14th century, when murdering mobs rampaged down Judengasse Street. In 1615, another pogrom destroyed the synagogue. Today I’m clambering down, down the steps below ground level to visit a well-preserved mikvah; the synagogue, with its menorah and Torah sanctuary, though mauled on Kristellnacht, is being restored.

The city’s Jewish cemetery is the oldest in Europe, explains my guide, Ursula, with tombstones dated as early as 1058. By luck alone, the cemetery was overlooked during Nazi rule and stands, mossy, intact and serene.

Worms is next on my agenda. Its Romanesque-style Cathedral rises right outside my hotel window, so no need for a wake-up call. Bells begin their boisterous clanging at 7 A.M. Despite its mighty Catholic presence, heretic Martin Luther, passing through in 1521, was greeted as a superstar. Yet the famous Diet (court) of Worms condemned him when he refused to recant his “radical” beliefs. “Here I stand,” he wrote— and nearby, his larger-than-life statue stands, indeed, on Lutherplatz.

Finding dinner in Worms posed a problem. Wandering, I finally, and fortunately, came upon the cheerful Gasthaus zur Schanke for yet-another beer-and-schnitzel fest and primo people-watching.

The morning’s train (so quiet, so punctual: This is Germany, after all) sped me to Speyer, the final stop in my pilgrimage. Of course, Jewish arrival had begun far earlier when, in 1084, the town’s Bishop invited them here to stir up trade. For centuries all went well, until 14th century pogroms drove the Jews away.

It took until 2001 for the synagogue of 1104, with its women’s prayer hall and nearby mikvah bath, to re-open. As I clambered down the bath’s belowstreet staircase, I marveled at its pristine state and contemplative nature, abiding for centuries. Today a somber memorial naming all those killed by the Nazis occupies the site of a former synagogue nearby. And where books were once burned now stands a free library.

Good times have returned, indeed. Speyer’s main avenue, leading from a town-wall tower to the mighty Cathedral, exudes a relaxing, almost-Mediterranean spirit. Outdoor cafes and (of course) ice cream shops fill the grand approach to the church itself, boasting a Romanesque beginning that morphs into Baroque curlicues. Inside, it’s brightened by two stories of window. In its serene crypt lie the graves of kings.

But by now I was hungry. Pretzel Fest was over (it’s in July), but within pretzel-tossing distance I came upon the cheery Dom Hof beer garden, where I joined tables of locals for the final mac-and-cheese-like spaetzle supper of my journey.

These three schUM cities—Mainz, Worms and Speyer, medieval in their roots—prove especially mesmerizing today for anyone and everyone who enjoys a glance back into history—or simply a chance to enjoy enchanting cafes, entertaining museums and delightful riverside vistas off the beaten tourist track.

To plan your own experience, visit www.Germany.travel 

By juliany taveras

Friday

Jewish Cemetery Mainz

Based on the book by Christine Baldacchino and Isabelle Malenfant

Directed by Heidi Stillman

Fortune Feimster Returns To Minneapolis With “Live Laugh Love”

BY RANDY STERN

Fortune Feimster is one of us. And, she will make you laugh – guaranteed!

The comedy star will make her tour stop at the State Theatre in Minneapolis on Saturday, October 14. The show starts at 7:00 PM. It is part of Feimster’s “Live Laugh Love” tour crisscrossing North America right now.

Feimster had a few very successful tours prior to this current one. On this tour, Feimster explained that she will be performing “all brand new material. Anything that anyone has seen on one of those specials, that material lives on those platforms.”

“But this is a whole new act,” said Feimster. “I’m talking even more about my mom and the journeys of her getting older, and just our dynamic, and me getting older. And I talk more about my marriage and our situation as far as how we handle life together. And I pick up where ‘Good Fortune’ left off, and I start right away with my honeymoon and get into that. And this show’s re-

ally fun and silly. I’m really having a good time with it. It’s interactive. I’m talking to the audience, I’m asking them questions, they’re telling me things. It’s a real just fun, good time.”

For those of you who may have never heard of Feimster, she has a simple way to introduce herself: “I tour all over the country. I’m from the South. I’m from North Carolina. And I talk a lot about my family, my mom. I talk about my wife. And I think I’m known for my silliness and positivity, and just trying to put out good vibes into the world.”

Photo courtesy of BigStock/kathclick

That, in a nutshell, is who Feimster is – a purveyor of good vibes. And, she’s funny.

Not to mention, Feimster loves performing in Minneapolis. “I’ve been performing there since the very early parts of my career,” she explained. “I started at the club out there. And it’s just a great comedy city. I feel like people there really get comedy, they appreciate comedy, they’re good audiences. So, it’s a stop on every tour that I genuinely really look forward to.”

There’s more to Feimster’s love for our audiences — she actually gets us. “I feel that Midwest mentality is very similar to the Southern mentality,” Feimster explained. “They love a casserole. Love a hot dish, which my people do too. We love a casserole. Now, I love tater tots, and y’all take it one step further by putting it in your casserole. And, so I often talk about hot dish. I even had someone bring me that at a show once.”

“But,” Feimster continued, “Minneapolis has a very special place in my heart, too, because I performed at the Pride on the night it was announced that marriage equality had been passed. So, it’s a night that will always stick with me, because that was such a historic moment in my community’s lives. It really changed everything for us. And I got to celebrate that with the good folks in Minneapolis.”

How does Feimster set the tone for us having a good time? Comedy is an art unto itself, and she loves the process in creating a show for us to laugh and enjoy. It is because Femister is a writer, and, as she explained, Feimster “usually has to sit down on my computer and write it all out. I like to know where I’m going. And throughout the year as life goes, if something funny happened, or I think of a story, or a childhood memory comes to light, I’ll write it in my phone. And then at some point, I’ll sit down. I try to have office hours when I can at home and I’ll look at those notes, and then I just start writing.”

This process of creating comedy ends up being a puzzle where everything will eventually fits. Feimster said that she’s “just constantly moving and constantly adjusting. And then the more you do it, the better it gets. And practice makes perfect, that kind of thing. But no joke is ever truly finished. Even when you film a special, you can think of a tag two months later. It’s an ever-evolving creative process, but a fun one. And it’s cool to be able to have these stories evolve as you go city to city on these tours.”

In the end, as Feimster explained, it is “just part of the process. But for me, I try to work from a place of talking about my life, talking about what’s going on. That’s my structure of where I start and then build off of there. Where am I at this current place in my life? And let me share that with people. But at the end of the day, I consider myself a storyteller. So, I come from a place of telling stories and not as much these set up punchline jokes.”

When it is all said and done, Feimster hopes you are ready for a good night of stories and laughter. “I hope people get tickets, because that show will sell out. It’s doing really well, and those tickets won’t be available that much longer. And I definitely hope people will come, and we’re going to have such a good time.” As of this writing, there are only a few good seats left.

That’s a guarantee you can bring to the State Theatre in Minneapolis on October 14! 

Fortune Feimster

Saturday, October 14, 7:00PM State Theatre, Minneapolis www.ticketmaster.com/ event/06005EAFE6667110

Urban Growler

Urban Growler

Minnesota’s First LGBTQ+ Woman-Owned Brewery

BY SUSAN SWAVELY

If you’re looking for some delicious brews to kickstart your fall, look no further than Urban Growler, a delightful woman and LGBTQ+ owned brewery in St. Paul. Urban Growler is the perfect place to grab a drink, relax after work, bring the kids (for their non-alcoholic beverages of course!) and enjoy the community.

Founders and owners, Jill Pavlak (she/her) and Deb Loch (she/her) have created a little slice of heaven right here, and they’re excited to continue sharing it with the community for the tenth year! Having a brewery together has always been a dream of theirs. Pavlak says, “Brewing has always been Deb’s passion. She started homebrewing in the ’90s, which quickly turned into an obsession. She brewed beer, soda, switchel, and kombucha… as for me, connecting, networking, and building community have always excited me.” The couple’s connection to brewing goes deeper than the beer, though. Pavlak adds, “We take pride in every pour and plate. In short, we built a brewery because we wanted to work together and bring people together!”

The Urban Growler has something for everyone—literally. Pavlak says, “In the taproom, we offer tasty small-batch craft beers, handcrafted hard seltzer cocktails, and many non-alcoholic cocktails, such as LemonBasil-Lavender or Not-A-Colada. We also offer a diverse food menu that pairs well with our drinks. We have tasty burgers, Reubens, chicken sandwiches, vegan bowls, salads, shareables, and much more!” With so many options, Pavlak and Loch know it can be tough to choose just what you want. Pavlak says, “we offer samples and flights, allowing people to explore a variety of flavors and find their perfect match. Our knowledgeable team (the best in the business) is always ready to assist and provide recommendations based on individual preferences.” The pair put so much love and care into their menu, it’s no wonder it’s a community favorite.

Adding new flavors is no problem for Urban Growler. Pavlak says, “[Deb] loves experimenting with flavors. If someone says, ‘I don’t like xyz beverage,’ her wheels start turning, and she takes on the challenge to make something they will like. She’s a bit of a mad scientist. Sometimes her hair looks the part (I say with love).” Pavlak continues, “We use many of her concoctions from the early days in the brewery today— our Honey Cream Soda is loved by kids and adults alike. We also use her handcrafted hard seltzer or double hard in every cocktail. [And along with] our chef and team, one of her recent non-alcoholic hits was the Kind Of A Big Dill Pickle Lemonade we brewed for Nordic Waffle for the Minnesota State Fair, and people loved it!” It’s very clear that Pavlak means it wholeheartedly when she says, “We both have a deep apprecia-

tion for the artistry and craftspersonship that goes into creating unique and flavorful beverages.”

Urban Growler is a perfect spot for everyone in the community, and Pavlak and Loch work hard to make sure every person feels included and safe. Pavlak says, “Our brewery offers a taproom, beer garden, and event spaces where people can gather and enjoy great beer, hard seltzer cocktails, NA beverages, and elevated pub food in a warm, welcoming urban oasis… our mission is to create a brand that brings people together, regardless of backgrounds or beliefs. We also love providing a space for people to connect over food and liquid love!” Getting the community involved just makes The Urban Growler all the more able to offer unique experiences to customers. Pavlak explains, “We are known for our Plow to Pint series, where we partner with small, local farmers or urban gardens, bringing their story and ingredients to our brews.”

Even though it might seem like it’s all rainbows and butterflies now, it wasn’t always such a positive experience for the couple. Starting a business is already difficult enough, but as two LGBTQ+ women on top of that, it proved to be an extremely challenging endeavor. Pavlak and Loch are resilient, though, and their successful, bustling business is proof of their strength. Pavlak says, “We were not taken seriously and [were] discounted time and time again. We experienced homophobic and sexist comments from people in power (banks), which made us dig deep into our resilience and determination tanks. We were not going to let ignorance prevent us from achieving our dream. We rallied support from the community, and after a lot of help from a lot of people, here we are, entering our 10th year!”

Urban Growler is a champion of diversity and the celebration of what makes everyone unique. Pavlak says, “Our connection to the LGBTQ+ community is rooted in our belief that everyone deserves a safe and inclusive place to unwind and be themselves, especially in these challenging times. It has always been our intention to offer a place where people can come together, celebrate diversity, and create lasting connections.” She adds in, “Deb and I believe that each letter in LGBTQ+ represents a unique and valuable identity, and it is through embracing and supporting one another that we can make meaningful progress.”

There’s nothing better than a delicious beverage among friends. Check out Urban Growler and enjoy a community-focused space with some truly delectable eats and drinks! 

Urban Growler

2325 Endicott St., Saint Paul

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Friday, Saturday: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm Sunday: 11:30 am – 7:30 pm www.urbangrowlerbrewing.com

Photos courtesy of Urban Growler

Serving Up Daring and Innovation Serving Up Daring and Innovation

North Loop’s Modist Brewing

BY LINDEN M. BAYLISS

If there’s one thing we can count on the North Loop’s Modist Brewing Co. to do, it’s to push the limits of what beer can be and keep us on our toes with their insane flavor combinations and creativity. The Modist crew is behind tantalizing creations like Hex Code, a pineapple coconut marshmallow pastry lager, and Digital Remains, an imperial stout barrel-aged for 29 months then conditioned on toasted pecan, toasted coconut, and Tahitian vanilla beans. I can never keep track of what they’re up to over there in that delicious mad laboratory, but it is certainly never boring.

Not only are they constantly innovating, but they are also constantly making a point to make their space queer-friendly and showing their support for the community. Modist hosts a plethora of drag events year-round, donates money in support of non-profits like QUEERSPACE Collective, and most recently were huge supporters of the Gay Softball World Series here in the Twin Cities. They were official sponsors of the tournament, hosted a block party for the Target Field Light Up the North Event, and even brewed a Light Up the North Golden Ale with proceeds going directly to the local organizing committee. And that’s naming just a few things.

I chatted with Co-Owner and Head of Marketing Daniel Wellendorf about Modist’s humble beginnings, their beer philosophy, specialties, THC, and…drumroll please…their brand-new event space!

It all started the way many great ideas do, when Wellendorf got drunk at a bar with a friend. His friend, who worked at Dangerous Man Brewing, told him that their head brewer Keigan Knee was leaving his job there in pursuit of his own brewery. Knee and his friends John and Kale had been dreaming of their own brewery for years, brewing beer in the garage together and all that good stuff, you know the story. Wellendorf was intrigued… he had some useful skills and some money to add to the mix and he wanted in. Long story short, he met the guys, joined the crew, and with the supergroup of four likeminded souls banded together — voila! Modist was born. The North Loop taproom opened its doors not long after, in April 2016.

To make these mad scientist ideas come to life, Modist uses two unique pieces of equipment that most craft breweries don’t, a hammer mill and a mash filter. Having this equipment basically means they can extract more flavor with less energy. “Because we have this, we can just make these different flavor concoctions that really haven’t existed,” Wellendorf says. The first iteration of their New England IPA, Dreamyard, was 100% wheat and oats, something that would not be possible without the help of the mash filter. Theirs is still the only one in the Midwest region.

In case you were wondering, Modist does make beer-flavored beer too. Dreamyard is one, but their other flagships like New England pale ale False Pattern and Japanese-style lager Supra Deluxe are staples in the taproom and showcase their specialty styles.

Their THC seltzers are also a huge part of the game these days, coming in a variety of flavors and doses and made with real fruit and Minnesotagrown hemp. Their “Melt” line of sparkling THC beverages contains the higher 10 mg doses and their “Tint” line keeps things a little lower at 3 and 5 mg for the lightweights like me out there. These come in delightful flavors like blood orange raspberry vanilla and blackberry lime and you also get some awesome can art to stare at as you melt into the couch.

So, what’s with the name? I’ve never heard of “modist” with an “i” before…

“A modist is a person who modifies,” Wellendorf says. Ahh, now the puzzle pieces are fitting together. Beer plus modification equals Modist, a brewery “pushing past traditional brewing by embracing creativity and unconstrained experimentation.”

“Our philosophy from the drop was, ‘hey, beer is cool, craft beer is awesome, let’s see where we can take it,’” Wellendorf explains. “It kind of gave us a license to just do, you know, stupid things.”

With said license Modist has brewed up concoctions like newer release “Invisible String,” a Taylor Swift-inspired strawberry rhubarb lager brewed with pilsner malt, milk sugar, marshmallows, strawberry juice, rhubarb juice and vanilla beans. And I cannot write an article about Modist without mentioning perhaps their most notable flavor from Super Bowl season earlier this year, the Hormel Chili Cheese Dip beer. “…It almost tastes like a chili cheese Frito, but in the form of a beer,” Wellendorf describes. He said it had Michelada vibes (okay, I do like those), and reassures me that it was actually pretty good. I’ll admit I was too appalled back then to try it but I’ll take his word for it.

Okay, we’ve talked drinks, but what’s the most exciting new thing going on at Modist Brewing Co.? Their brand-new laboratory, offices, and event space of course! This has been a huge new investment for them, a $2 million project that will go towards making staff, customers, and community members alike happy. I got a walkthrough of the new space (I even left my mark by putting my boot through some wet concrete…oopsie) and dang it’s nice! It is colorful, modern, and multilevel, with a beautiful mirrored ceiling and mural of course. “We always get so many requests,” Wellendorf says, for events from 50-100 people that they weren’t able to accommodate previously, but now they can! The event space has a 100-person capacity, and is perfect for corporate happy hours, rehearsal dinners, and “just about anything else you can think of that we’re zoned for,” they say on their website.

“One of the coolest things about craft breweries is that they are community spaces,” Wellendorf says. “We want to not only modify beer but modify the industry. We want to be very purposeful, very intentional about who we support, what we do, and kind of design the industry as we want it to be.”

Want to experience the glorious new event space for yourself? Book now for your holiday parties, birthday parties, disco parties, rehearsal dinners or whatever…come check it out! Visit their website for more information on how to book your event or to schedule a walkthrough.

Don’t forget to stop in for a beer and check out their Halloween drag show on October 27th! 

Modist Brewing Co.

505 N 3rd St, Minneapolis www. modistbrewing.com

Photos courtesy of Modist Brewing Co.

The WIDE World of WHISKEY The WIDE World of WHISKEY

What’s Trending, How To Drink It, and More

BY AURORA SMITH

Whether you’re brand-new to the world of whiskey or are a seasoned whiskey veteran, there’s no denying the popularity of this amber-colored alcohol. For this issue, we asked local liquor and cheese shop Surdyk’s in Minneapolis for their guidance on all things whiskey. Continued on page 20

Whiskey or Whisky? Bourbon or Scotch? What About Irish Whiskey?

“Whiskey or whisky (spelling depends on country of origin) is a sweeping category of grain distillates divided into numerous fashions and styles by how they are made,” says Bill McCleary, an expert consultant for Surdyk’s.

Generally, “whiskey” is found in America and Ireland, while “whisky” (without the “e”) comes from Scotland, Canada, and Japan. But it’s more than just the spelling, and here’s where things cross over a little. Whiskey (and whisky) will also vary based on how many times it’s distilled. Generally, in America and Scotland, it’s distilled twice, but in Ireland it’s distilled three times.

which are all classic distilleries from Kentucky. If you want to try Scotch, he recommends Balvenie or Johnnie Walker Red. For Canadian whisky, give Windsor or Canadian Club a try.

McCleary’s best advice? “High price doesn’t mean better whiskey/ whisky. Don’t start with the highest price from these producers. See if you like the style and then move up as your taste and palate matures.”

As for how to enjoy your whiskey, there are a few ways (we’ll get to cocktails toward the end). You can order it “neat,” which means your drink is pure whiskey, not even ice in the glass (some bartenders also call this “straight,” so ask if you’re unsure). Or, you can order it “cut,” which means a few drops of water are added (but no ice). Last, you can order it “on the rocks,” which means with ice included.

Each way will change the taste of the liquor. Neat will be the strongest/most intense, because the alcohol isn’t diluted. Adding a few drops of water will mellow the liquor a little, while adding ice will mellow it even more. And of course, the longer you let your ice melt, the more diluted your whiskey will be. Experiment and see what you like best!

Whiskey’s Rise in Popularity

The liquor industry is reporting a surge in sales of whiskey-type drinks, thanks to the interest in the vast diversity of this type of alcohol, plus the rise of distilleries both locally and worldwide. New distilleries, including micro distilleries, are offering original labels to compete with the giants of the industry like Jack Daniels, Glenfiddich, Jameson, etc.

“More countries are entering the whiskey market (Taiwan, New Zealand, India, Japan, and many more),” says McCleary. “A global explosion in whiskey popularity is flooding retailers with new products. Minnesota alone has dozens of new distilleries: Tattersall, J. Carver, 11 Wells, Vikre, Far North, O’Shaughnessy to name just a few.”

What’s Trending, According to Experts

“All are whiskeys by differing grain recipes and distilling techniques,” says McCleary. “Grains (wheat, rye, barley, and corn, plus others) have a huge impact, as does the storage barrel size and the wood used for finishing and maturing the various whiskeys.”

For example, bourbon must be made of mostly corn to be considered in that category (51% minimum) and by law must be made in the U.S.A.. On the other hand, Scotch includes both malt whisky and grain whisky, and must come from Scotland.

Also, bourbon must be made in a new, charred oak barrel every single time (this is part of why you see so many other things labeled as “aged in bourbon barrels” for flavor, like wine, cheese, etc. Those onetime-whiskey-use barrels get used for other foodstuffs), whereas Scotch can re-use barrels.

And what about Irish whiskey? That’s made with mostly barley and is typically aged longer, at least three years to American whiskeys’ two. It also usually has a lighter flavor than most American whiskeys, though American whiskey generally has more variety.

Where Do You Start and How Do You Drink It?

If you’re new to drinking whiskey, it can seem a little overwhelming to dig through all the options. Whether you’re looking at bourbon, Scotch, rye, Tennessee, Irish, or Japanese whiskey (just to name a few), there are a LOT of choices.

“Your taste tolerance should guide you to what you like best,” says McCleary. He recommends a few good starting whiskeys for beginners.

For bourbon, he likes Four Roses, Wild Turkey, and Jim Beam,

“Scotch, made with burnt peat moss and earthy barley grain, will never go out of style!” says McCleary. “Bourbon made with corn, and only new oak wood barrels, while more popular than ever, has always had a loyal following. And of course, Irish whiskey is a must have on every St. Patrick’s Day.”

Along with these whiskeys, McCleary notes that premium ice is all the rage at bar scenes and even home use. Premium ice are the large, clear, glass-filling cubes and spheres you see decorating whiskey drinkers glasses. “They certainly elevate the cocktail experience,” he says.

Speaking of cocktails, another thing that will elevate your drinking experience? Higher quality ingredients, including ice.

“Ice, as mentioned above, is more important than most people think,” says McCleary. Which makes sense — the quality of the liquid you add to your liquor, even frozen, will affect its flavor.

McCleary also recommends looking at your supporting ingredients when opting for cocktails. “The better the quality of the supporting ingredients (vermouth, bitters, garnishes) the more you improve the final cocktail’s taste.”

But perhaps the most important ingredient? Your environment. McCleary says:

“Don’t forget that who you are [with] for conversation and friendship adds a big difference in cocktail enjoyment.”

As for his favorite cocktail? “A classic Manhattan,” he says. “It’s easy to make, and you can sit and sip on one while you watch the leaves turn to ‘whiskey’ colors!”

One last aside:[1] this writer prefers her whiskey neat and honors her Irish roots with Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey, but for cocktails, chooses a good whiskey smash. 

Photos courtesy of Surdyk's

“The Closet and The Cafeteria”

Quorum Allows Our Community To Come Out by Speaking Up

BY TERRANCE GRIEP

Jimmy, son of James and Mary, rises, clears his throat. He’s back for the first time since beginning his freshman year in the big city college, back for Thanksgiving dinner, and the kid is sweaty. Most of the gathered figure his glisteninducing unease is caused by the pressure of being promoted from the kids’ card table in the basement, but cool Aunt Flo knows better. Jimmy stands on feet made of slush, wringing hands made of steam, and cool Aunt Flo realizes the kid is about to confirm what she has suspected since her nephew was five years old.

Jimmy clears his throat a second time, and the tingle of silver ceases, the tinkle of glasses stops…even Cousin Louie’s incessant complaining about the Detroit Lions lapses. Jimmy says his piece, and his piece is met by gasps and groans and camouflaging coughs. Jimmy’s face is a mask of regret, his eyes darting from face to face to face, looking for even a scintilla of sympathy in a fog cluttered with confusion and general harumphiness. Cool Aunt Flo’s nephew is in trouble, the kind of trouble that cannot be undone but can be superseded. Cool Aunt Flo rises: it’s time, she decides, way past time, that she said her piece, too.

According to the always-reliable Wikipedia, “Coming out of the closet, often shortened to coming out, is a metaphor used to describe [LGBTQ+] people’s self-disclosure of their sexual orientation, romantic orientation, or gender identity.” Those who don’t have to go through it think of coming out as a one-and-done proposition–“I’m stuffing my ‘friend’ Roy, please pass the yams” –but those of who have lived some version of Jimmy’s harrowing experience know that what most people think of as coming out

is actually a self-disclosure that will be echoed countless times during a rainbow-skating lifetime.

Coming out is therefore baked into every subsequent life change—as monumental as moving to a new town, settling into a new neighborhood, beginning a new job, or enrolling in a new school or as sanguine as meeting a new neighbor or a new friend-of-a-friend—invariably, the lesbian will mention her girlfriend, or the gay guy will mention his husband and sis, boom, bah, rah, rah, rah, they’ve come out of the closet for the eleventy jillionth time. Whatever penalty is paid by such disclosure, however, is a pittance compared to the toll taken by keeping their love a secret.

This calculation is the core concept of National Coming Out Day, first observed by a scrappy few in the era of Gordon Gekko’s greed-is-gooding and John McClane’s yippieki-yaying—we’re talkin’ the year 1988. The October 11th date was chosen because that had been the date of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights just one year earlier. That makes this year’s iteration of National Coming Out Day the thirtieth.

Photos by Sophia Hantzes

The “Minnesota” part implied by the “National” in National Coming Out Day has, for twenty-five of the past thirty years, been handled by Quorum, an organization which describes itself as “Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce.” That means it works to make Minnesota’s business community writ large a fully-inclusive one, as well as emphasizing visibility for those included. Toward that end, Quorum provides forty-or-so annual networking opportunities with themes that include “Catalyzing Community Growth,” “Out After Work,” and “Women’s Leadership Roundtable.” Quorum thusly “builds, connects and strengthens Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ and Allied business community.”

Oh, and it also hosts “the premier NCOD event in the country,” according to Quorum’s website.

The event has gotten big over the decades, as in Minneapolis Convention Center Big. National Coming Out Day will be observed by Quorum on October 13th—Friday, the 13th, to be precise, a date that inspires fear in the superstitious…and articulation in the astute. “When we noticed that the luncheon would take place on Friday, the 13th, we decided to embrace that,” reveals Quorum’s Executive Director, Rebecca Waggoner. “We made this

year’s National Coming Out Day theme, ‘What would you do if you weren’t afraid?’”

The luncheon itself begins at 11:45am and lasts until 1:30p. The first three speakers signed have each answered the question posed by the theme’s question: Kelsey Waits turned the cruel outing of her eight-year-old nonbinary child into an avocation of activism and alliance; Doctor Angela Goepferd, Children’s Minnesota’s chief education officer, founded of Children’s Minnesota’s Gender Clinic; and Belo Cipriani, a writer who founded Oleb Media, a digital inclusion firm, as well as Oleb Books, a publishing house focused on writers with disabilities after being disabled himself. Cipriani was permanently blinded by a Castro District gay bashing.

Each speaker tells the story of transforming fear of rejection into brave and constructive action…much like anyone who comes out for the first time. “It’s always an act of bravery,” says Waggoner, “to hold your real self up for the world to see.” Further, every coming out contributes to the creation of an atmosphere where such self-disclosure is a little easier for the next pioneer.

Even after thirty years, coming out remains vitally relevant—more so than ever, according to Quorum’s executive director. “It can’t be

overstated,” Waggoner insists. “Visibility for the community has never been more critical.” While such visibility often destroys stereotype, it can do so in unexpected ways. “I look like a suburban soccer mom,” Rebecca Waggoner laughs. “No one would guess that I’m a lesbian!”

Coming out starts as a single event that’s repeated again and again, becoming an unlikely tradition unto itself–the times around that tradition might change, but the tradition remains the same…even while it moves forward. As Quorum puts it on their website, “We hope you will join us as our community celebrates the strength, courage and wisdom of LGBTQ+ and Allied people who have braved their own unique journeys to now live openly and authentically…and with pride.” 

Quorum’s 2023 National Coming Out Day Luncheon

Friday, October 13 – 11:45 AM-1:30 PM, Marketplace Expo starts at 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis Tickets: $60 for Quorum Members, $75 for non-members

www.twincitiesquorum.com/National-ComingOut-Day

A Compassionate Journey Advocates for Inclusive End-of-Life Options

BY JEN PEEPLES

The journey towards the end of life is an inevitable part of our human experience. However, the circumstances surrounding this transition can be far from equal, particularly for marginalized communities. We had the opportunity to meet with Meagan Williams, a member of the Communications Team for many national campaigns, including in Minnesota. She connected us to the exploration of tireless efforts of organizations like Compassion & Choices, that are dedicated to advocating for expanded end-of-life options through education, outreach, and legislative change.

Williams expressed that their work serves as a beacon of hope for those directly affected by inequities from the system, while also striving to grant patients who request medical in aid death a greater autonomy and respect during their final moments.

Compassion & Choices is a prominent advocate in this space. They are relentlessly working to shed light on disparities in end-oflife care. Understanding that the path towards

a compassionate and inclusive approach to end-of-life decisions begins with education and awareness. Through their outreach efforts, they aim to empower individuals and communities-especially those from marginalized backgrounds, by providing information and resources needed to make informed choices. We had the opportunity to sit-down with 4 amazing advocates of Compassion & Care. Their work is an expression of their passion. One to be known today and remembered tomorrow:

Osha Towers (they/them), a key figure in the LGBTQ+ Leadership Council, shared firsthand the shortcomings in LGBTQ+ end-of-life care during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Towers emphasized that there is deep discrimination that often arises from a profound lack of understanding and empathy– leading to distressing challenges such as misgendering, legal vulnerabilities, and the denial of chosen families.

When asked the purpose of their passion in this field, they shared, “I lost many loved ones

throughout my community. Working within Black and brown LGBTQ+ healthcare– Yet advocacy work within end-of-life care specifically rose for me within the LGBTQ+ community when my coworker lost their long-time partner. Although this was someone they had spent years caring for, their partner’s family did not honor their relationship or the queer life this person lived. So, they swooped in, took over, booted any level of queer community from the process, and buried them outside of reflecting on their whole identity.”

The fire behind the Council’s mission centers on priorities like inclusion by meeting the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals while driving institutional change. By engaging with diverse LGBTQ+ groups across the nation, Towers has developed a shared understanding of the importance of medical aid in dying, shaped by the community’s collective losses during the AIDS epidemic.

Now, the medical in aid dying has not always been accepted or approved by certain

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

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

Estimates 7am-4:30pm

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communities. However, a different intention and meaning was brought the platform by Dr. Joanne Roberts, a terminally ill physician, also initially held reservations about medical aid in dying laws. However, her personal journey and convictions have led her to recognize that such legislation can provide relief and rested assurance to suffering patients.

Dr. Roberts has a compelling mission to humanize this issue through the power of storytelling, emphasizing that death transcends political divides and dispels concerns about the misuse of aid-in-dying by citing data from states with extensive experience in its implementation. To hesitant lawmakers, Dr. Roberts gently reminds them that this is an individual choice, and no clinician should feel compelled to participate if it violates their moral principles.

Along with Dr. Roberts’ fight to appeal to legislation, Dr. Rebecca Thoman oversees legislative advocacy for Compassion & Choices in Minnesota and has been tirelessly working to advance the proposed End-of-Life Options Act. Though it faced setbacks in 2022, Dr. Thoman remains hopeful that it could see action in 2024. Recognizing the importance of countering misinformation and creating a sense of urgency around the topic of death through peer testimonies, Dr. Thoman faithfully educates and leads other physicians on the infrequent use and strict oversight of aid-in-dying. This is all while respecting individual doctors’ moral right to opt out. Dr. Thoman understands that for lawmakers, bridging the gap between hypothetical concerns, the realities of clinical practice, and personal stories are keys to garnering

their unrelentless support. If the legislation passes, Dr. Thoman believes it will bring solace through expanded end-of-life options for countless diverse individuals.

While also on the legislature end, we have attorney Phil Duran. Duran is known for his advocacy in LGBTQ+ rights in the approaches of medical aid in dying work with a unique perspective. He understands that arranging the plans one’s medical aid in death can offer a sense of peace; a sentiment shared by samesex couples who were once denied the right to marry.

Through his work with Rainbow Health, Duran is actively expanding culturally competent care access for LGBTQ+ and aging communities through provider education and patient empowerment. He acknowledges that privilege often plays a role in determining the level of agency one has in making end-of-life decisions. Duran believes that by countering religious opposition and amplifying diverse stories, we can broaden the movement for compassionate endof-life options.

While each advocate featured in this article brings their own expertise and experiences to the table, there are common threads that unite them in their pursuit of a more compassionate and equitable approach to end-of-life choices. Education, empowerment, and equity are at the heart of their endeavors. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they all share a profound understanding of the value of having options and autonomy when it comes to one’s own passing. Through their steadfast commitment to amplifying diverse voices and stories, driving policy changes, and expanding societal mindsets – these advocates serve as inspiring examples of the passion that fuels a movement toward greater compassion and care at life’s transitioning end. 