Mental Health
Bryan Piatt. Photo by Sam Holt
Photo courtesy of Jean Prokott,
Photo by Joey Amato,
Photo by Sam Kassirer, 22: Photo courtesy of Arthur Diggins
Volume 30, Issue 778 • March 20-April 2, 2025
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Let’s Talk About It
Welcome to Lavender’s first-ever Mental Health issue! While we’ve covered mental health issues in the past, we felt that as discussions about mental health become more common and sources of mental health stress for LGBTQ+ people in particular increase in both number and severity, now was the time to dedicate an entire issue to the topic.
In this issue, we have stories including an art exhibition featuring LGBTQ+ artists examining mental health, mental health resources for LGBTQ+ people from the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Minnesota chapter and a small group therapy practice focused on helping LGBTQ+ people. We also have stories on personal mental health journeys, including an essay from frequent Lavender contributor Arthur Diggins.
When I first read Arthur’s article, I was surprised at how severe his struggles have been. This is someone I’ve been working with for months, who has been a model professional and never showed any signs of how much he was struggling behind the scenes. I hope his story reminds you, as it reminded me, that no matter how well people seem to be doing on the outside, you never know what they are going through. It’s also a reminder of the incredible courage and fortitude that people show in the face of mental illness and the things they can accomplish despite it.
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who shared their story with Lavender for this issue — while open discussion about mental health has become more common, sharing your own story, especially in such a public way, requires an admirable amount of vulnerability.
Whether you’ve struggled with mental health personally or supported someone you love through a mental health challenge, I hope these stories connect with you and help you, even if it’s in the smallest of ways. Don’t forget to check in on your friends and loved ones to see how they’re doing — you might never know what people are struggling with unless you ask, and your support could make a difference.
Photo courtesy of BigStock/TeroVesalainen
BY E.B. BOATNER
Cliff Notes for Our Times
Wanting to escape the harried here and now, I opened T.H. White’s “The Once and Future King” I’d first read in 1958 at seventeen. I settled in to recapture those halcyon days when the world was young and life was so much simpler. Seems it wasn’t. Older and wiser offered a deeper read.
Multiple offshoots of White’s tale include Disney’s animated “The Sword in the Stone,” Broadway’s “Camelot” and multiple others, but the book from which they were drawn was birthed in 1938, consisted of five parts, and laid fallow until published as tetralogy in 1958.
The year 1938 was a troublesome one for the world, as countless history books will tell you, as were the following eight, so White took his tale back into the 12th(ish) Century in the era of the Real? Mythical? Needed? King Arthur in a Britain White called “Gramarye.”
Like the film, the first section, titled “The Sword and the Stone,” follows young Wart (Arthur) and his education by tutor/necromancer Merlin who leads the boy on journeys through other animal, bird, fish and insect lives before
he pulls that fateful sword from that legendary stone, and has kingship thrust upon him.
Once king, Arthur sought to end the rule of force majeure and the endless conflicts that celebrated war for the nobility and continued penury for the poor. He had the eyes to see that knights, covered in steel bunting, engaged but mostly survived, while their foot soldiers died in the thousands. That famous Round Table, having no sides, ensured no one was seated below the salt, but envy, greed, and mischief remained; the search for justice failed, and as many Grails were returned as there were pieces of the true cross.
Added were that nagging problem of his wife Guenever and his best friend Lancelot, and two other Greek tragedy Doom-bringers; Arthur’s unfortunate begetting by Uther Pendragon, and his own unwitting siring of son Mordred by his (unrealized) half-sister Morgeuse. Classical payment was to be exacted.
Arthur’s good heart and good intentions cannot heal the world’s wounds or soothe the pain humans inflict upon one another, much less address his own. Goodness in itself cannot right
every wrong or bring happiness even to a king.
We’re not going to be relaxing anyway, so come to White’s Camelot and see Doom descend with class … and hope. It’s a marvelous read in any century. White’s prose is laced with humor; a polymath, his knowledge spanned many fields, his sensitivity able to inhabit his characters, whether it be Arthur turned into an owl or a youngster learning to fletch an arrow. Both considered war “useless,” but even as king, Arthur was powerless to stop force crushing justice or to build a bastion of peace to shield against anger and greed.
Malory’s title centered on Arthur’s death. White, cautiously optimistic, chose “Once and Future,” embracing the legend that the legendary Arthur did not perish in that final battle but was carried off to Avilion, from whence he will one day return and rule again. Will he appear bearing solutions to war, to hatred, to betrayal, brandishing Excalibur to sever the tangled bonds of honor and love? Above all, when?
Now would be a mighty good time, if it please, Your Grace.
Photo courtesy of BigStock/Gary Perkin
BY CARLA WALDEMAR
Beyond ‘Cue in KC
It’s true. Just like the hick-from-the-sticks sings in “Oklahoma!”, “I went to Kansas City on a Friday; by Sattiday I learnt a thing er two.” Thing One: KC reigns, in most smoked pork lovers’ opinion, as the home of the world’s best barbecue. Thing Two: The town can also hold its own as a James Beard-blessed culinary capitol.
So, let’s start right there, with Beard medalist Michael Smith. We’d first met oh, about a hundred years ago, when he cheffed at the city’s elite American Club, “just following others’ ideas,” he recalls. Today, he owns pretty much an entire city block, peppered with his concepts, including Extra Virgin, home of Mediterranean tapas and more.
Two bros seated near me there discussed the menu. “You gonna have the rabbit gnocchi?” “Of course,” his friend replied in a ‘duh!’ tone of voice. Me, too. It’s the kitchen’s best-seller, featuring leeks, shiitakes, Parmesan and breadcrumbs brightening the tender pulled meat in its savory broth.
Dinner that night was at The Town Company, where another duo of Beardies coddles foodies’ palates with a tightly-curated menu, leading off with the don’t-miss hot buns served with carrot dip. Next, I chose a collage
of citrus segments and parsnip (odd bedfellows, but spot on) in buttermilk, poppyseed and bee pollen (hard to bypass the smoked egg chips or the duck fries), followed by sweet potato dumplings with ginger, gouda and scallions. See what I mean?
Time out, the following afternoon, for a tour and tasting ($10) at Christopher Elbow Chocolates, purveyor of bonbons worthy of Tiffany (but far tastier). Here, we get to compare chocolate from three global regions — Madagascar, Vietnam and Ecuador — as we follow the process from cocoa bean, harvested by hand, to best-selling bonbon Fleur de Sel.
Near my downtown hotel, I discovered a beyond-sweet breakfast haunt called Homesteader (whose GM had gone to Minnesota State, Mankato, he divulged). A dozen or so locals raced for seats when the doors opened at 9 a.m., here for an unassuming but inventive menu featuring the likes of a fried green tomato Benedict (my yummy choice), chicken and waffles, a biscuit board and beignets with chocolate sauce. My kind of hangout.
Hard to top that, but Sunday brunch at Homestead held its own. It’s a tiny, upbeat site near City Market (acres of viands and produce to wander, plus lots of vendors’ stalls). I grabbed a counter stool to sip a Bloody Mary while forking up a veggie Benedict starring summer squash and crunch kale (or choose corned beef hash, red curry, smoked pork quesadillas and such) plus its famous cinnamon roll, as huge as my head.
Dinner at Affare, another Beard nominee, highlights contemporary takes on German fare at comfy, well-spaced tables backed by a bar showing oldie silent movies. My swell server recommended the abundant spinach salad, which blossoms from demure to dynamite with a bath of hickory smoke unleashed from a Mason jar tableside. Next, ruddy duck breast in a lebkuchen cookie-spice glaze and orange-peppercorn sauce. I was going to skip dessert until my server, who knew better, intervened with an offer of nut cake served with burnt honey ice cream.
Just when you think the food scene can’t get any better, along comes Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue, serving ribs and more in a nondescript counterservice site (you’ll find it by following your nose) where Presidents Truman and Carter and celebs Spielberg and Redford are numbered among its fans. Paper towels and squeeze bottles of sauces adorn each Formica tabletop.
Following that iconic lunch, I trotted my hickory-smoked jacket over to 18th and Vine, longtime heart of the city’s vibrant Black community. Here, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum unfurls the story of the league, started in the 1920s, back when “everybody got dressed up to go to the ballgame.” The Kansas City Monarchs traveled to games in their own bus, with a cook, because they weren’t welcome in white-owned establishments along the way. Their history parallels the love of the sport plus the sad story of segregation until Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.
Across the street stands the American Jazz Museum, the first of its kind, where hands-on stations explain the functions of mixing, harmony and more and alcoves salute the story of the Big Four — Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald, whose recordings visitors can summon. Live jazz evenings, too.
From one art form to another, I’m off to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (free admission), where its collection of works from India and East Asia plus Native American beadwork steal the show. But perhaps the city’s most famous museum is the world’s only one devoted to World War I. Enter gazing down at a field of poppies, honoring the 65 million who died in this horrid conflict, detailed in a timeline, films, artifacts and posters (yes, Uncle Sam Wants You). Walk into a shell crater. Peek at churches and schools commandeered as hospitals. Learn about the destructiveness of chemical weapons. Then ponder the abiding question: Is lasting peace even possible?
Getting around the city is made easier via a free streetcar line running from the City Market and its nearby River Market Antiques — a threestory magnet for all things collectible — through the Power and Light Entertainment District to Union Station, with plans underway to expand. For now, grab an Uber and head to Country Club Plaza — a horizontal, rather than vertical, shopping enclave spanning 15 square blocks dressed in warm, Spanish-style bricks amid plentiful fountains reminiscent of Seville. Retail — from H&M to Tiffany — vies with watering holes and coffee houses, and on the day of my visit, a four-block-long parade protesting the rule of Trump and Elon.
Just like the song and I promised, you, too, can go to Kansas City on a Friday (only an hour-plus via Delta) and enjoy your chance to learn a thing or two, while enjoying its singular jazz, food and history scenes, and be back to work on Monday, if you must. For more information, check out visitkc.com.
The city will celebrate 50 years of Pride June 6-8 this summer!
Country Club Plaza, and the American Jazz Museum. Photos by Carla Waldemar
Panama City, Panama
Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, is a city where history meets modernity and nature intertwines with urban life. This bustling metropolis offers an array of experiences, from exploring historic districts to marveling at engineering marvels and savoring worldrenowned coffee. Among its many attractions, Casco Antiguo, the Bio Museo, the Panama Canal and Geisha coffee stand out as must-see highlights.
Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo or San Felipe, is the historic district of Panama City. Founded in 1673, it replaced the original Panama City (Panama Viejo), which was destroyed by pirates. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to the city’s colonial past, with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful Spanish colonial buildings and impressive churches.
Walking through Casco Antiguo feels like stepping back in time. The architecture is a blend of Spanish, French and early American styles, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped Panama over the centuries. Key landmarks include the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Church of San José with its famous golden altar and the Plaza de Francia, which honors the French builders of the Panama Canal.
Beyond its historical significance, Casco Antiguo is a cultural hub, brimming with art galleries, museums, boutiques and vibrant nightlife. The area comes alive in the evenings, with rooftop bars offering stunning
views of the modern city skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at a trendy bar or dining at a gourmet restaurant, the ambiance in Casco Antiguo is unmatched. This is also a hub of LGBTQ+ activities in Panama as well as the home to Panama City Pride.
Panama’s pride festival has grown tremendously in the past few years. I had the chance to walk in the parade, which snakes around Casco Antiguo. As we walked along the stone streets of the parade route, it was hard not to get emotional, seeing thousands of people waving, smiling and reveling in the community.
After a long day of Pride events, check in to the beautiful JW Marriott Panama, a beacon of luxury and elegance, nestled in the vibrant Punta Pacifica neighborhood. This iconic hotel offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the city skyline, providing guests with an unforgettable experience of comfort and sophistication.
Strategically located near the bustling financial district and major attractions, the JW Marriott Panama is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. Its proximity to Tocumen International Airport, just a 20-minute drive away, ensures convenient access for international guests. The property features over 300 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each designed with contemporary decor and modern amenities. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views, while plush bedding, spacious bathrooms and high-speed internet ensure a comfortable stay. The hotel’s suites provide additional luxuries, such as separate living areas, private balconies and access to the exclusive Executive Lounge.
Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options at the JW Marriott Panama. The hotel features multiple restaurants and bars, offering everything
Photos by Joey Amato
from gourmet international cuisine to local Panamanian flavors. Dining options include a poolside restaurant with breathtaking views, a chic lounge for casual gatherings and an elegant restaurant for fine dining.
The JW Marriott Panama also offers an array of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. A state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor infinity pool and a luxurious spa provide ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.
After a wonderful night’s sleep, head to the Bio Museo, a striking structure designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Its colorful, angular design symbolizes the vibrant biodiversity of Panama. Opened in 2014, the museum aims to educate visitors about the natural history of Panama and its crucial role in the Earth’s biodiversity.
Inside, the Bio Museo features eight galleries that tell the story of Panama’s natural wonders. The exhibits highlight the country’s unique position as a land bridge that has facilitated the migration of species between North and South America. Visitors can explore interactive displays, lifesized models and multimedia presentations that highlight Panama’s rich flora and fauna.
One of the museum’s highlights is the Gallery of Biodiversity, which emphasizes the importance of conserving Panama’s natural habitats. The Bio Museo also offers stunning views of the Panama City skyline and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, making it a perfect spot for both education and relaxation.
Not too far away is the Panama Canal, one of the most significant engineering feats in history. Completed in 1914, this 50-mile-long canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, revolutionizing global trade routes. The construction of the canal was a monumental task that involved overcoming numerous challenges, including disease, difficult terrain and political complexities.
Today, the Panama Canal remains a vital artery of international maritime trade and a major tourist attraction. Visitors can learn about its history and operation at the Miraflores Visitor Center, which offers an up-close view of the massive locks in action. Watching a ship navigate through the locks is a fascinating experience, showcasing the precision and scale of this engineering marvel.
The Panama Canal Expansion, completed in 2016, added a new set of locks to accommodate larger vessels, further enhancing its capacity and global significance. The visitor center provides interactive exhibits, a theater, and observation decks, making it a comprehensive educational experience.
Coffee enthusiasts should try to experience a Geisha coffee tasting. Panama is home to some of the world’s finest coffee, and Geisha coffee stands at the pinnacle of this reputation. Originally from Ethiopia, Geisha coffee found a new home in Panama’s highlands, particularly in the Boquete region. The unique climate and volcanic soil of this area provide ideal conditions for growing this exceptional coffee variety.
Geisha coffee is renowned for its complex flavor profile, which includes floral, fruity and spicy notes. It has gained international acclaim, consistently winning top prizes at coffee competitions and fetching record-breaking prices at auctions. Coffee aficionados from around the world seek out this premium coffee for its unparalleled quality.
Visitors to Panama can experience Geisha coffee through tours of coffee farms in the Boquete region or at select locations in the city. These tours offer insights into the cultivation, harvesting and processing of this gourmet coffee. Tasting sessions allow visitors to savor the unique flavors and aromas that make Geisha coffee a true delicacy.
Panama City is a destination that offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its historic charm and cultural vibrancy to its natural wonders and culinary delights. Exploring Casco Antiguo provides a glimpse into the city’s colonial past, while the Bio Museo celebrates its biodiversity. The Panama Canal stands as a testament to human ingenuity, and Geisha coffee showcases the country’s agricultural excellence.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a coffee enthusiast, Panama City has something to offer. Its unique blend of old and new, nature and technology, makes it a captivating destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Enjoy the Journey!
On Vanguards and Renegades: The Experimental Minnesota Music Series You Need to Attend
“There have been a lot of headlines lately about how the arts are struggling in the Twin Cities, and while things are never easy, this community is overflowing with talent, creativity, ingenuity and curiosity,” Isaac Mayhew says. “I am so proud to be part of it.”
Mayhew is right — ever since the shutdown in 2020, there has been no shortage of coverage regarding floundering arts institutions of all kinds. Still, creativity runs deep here in the Twin Cities, and creatives and artists continue to find ways to share their work.
For Mayhew, that creative pursuit is in the form of RenegadeEnsemble: a collective of musicians that began in the early aughts and recently merged with the Vanguard New Music Series. Mayhew, who is a board member, helped facilitate a conversation between Lavender and several of his fellow musicians and board members, all of whom filled us in on the history of RenegadeEnsemble and the exciting sounds they are bringing to Minnesota with the Vanguard New Music Series this year.
“RenegadeEnsemble was started around 2002-2003 by a small group of graduate students at the UMN … who wanted to perform contemporary and experimental music,” says Board Secretary and founding member Alyssa Anderson. “There were no existing ensembles at the U focusing on contemporary classical music at that time.”
RenegadeEnsemble Board Member Jason Wells performs as part of Musicircus, held in June 2024 at 480 Arts. Photo by Isaac Mayhew.
Initially a vocal ensemble led by choral conducting Doctoral student, Stan Rothrock, the group performed pieces by composers like Pauline Oliveros and Meredith Monk, who are known for their experimental and avant-garde styles. The intention was always to be accessible and current. Anderson reminisces, “We decided that our ‘concert wear’ would be hoodies and jeans instead of the usual concert black for classical concerts.”
The group quickly gained non-profit status, which Anderson laughingly describes as a miracle due to the youth and inexperience of everyone involved. Regardless, the group had a consistent roster of musicians and vocalists, many of whom were multi-instrumentalists.
“From the get-go, RenegadeEnsemble has been open to doing just about any kind of new music or performance art,” Anderson says. “Trying out ideas, partnering with composers and creators and artists, and sound experimentation has always been a core principle of the ensemble.”
Post-pandemic, in 2022, RenegadeEnsemble refined its mission once more. Jonathan Posthuma, Artistic Director and Board President, explains: “[We refocused our] mission towards vocal and instrumental chamber music written primarily by composers connected to Minnesota and the upper Midwest to better foster a community of local performers and audiences interested in new music.”
Part of this shift involved merging with the Vanguard New Music Series. With similar mission statements and complementary assets, it was an easy decision to combine the two.
“It was just a natural fit,” says Board Member and Vanguard New Music Series Advisory Council Chairperson Aaron Kerr. “Renegade had the history, and Vanguard had the venue … We started with just a few shows and now are up to six a year, every other month.”
Jared Coffin, a member of the Vanguard New Music Series Advisory Council, agrees. “Joining with RenegadeEnsemble came at the right time to make VNMS something bigger … Those first concerts were a bit more rag-tag — composers playing their own music, friends performing, with friends and family in the audience. Now, our ‘Composer Nights’ have some of that same energy of showcasing local composers’ works, but we also are able to partner with groups like Nyttu Chongo + The Four Crazies and Zeitgeist for a bigger diversity of concerts.”
The relationship with their venue has been equally impactful. “Our partnership with Zion Community Commons and Arts of Lafond has started to foster a new music community and audience and [is becoming] part of the
broader new music ‘ecosystem’ of the Twin Cities,” Posthuma says. “We hope the series continues to connect musicians, composers, and audiences as it presents original work regularly.”
Zion is a new venue — and so much more than that. In 2023, the members of Zion Lutheran Church “looked at their building and thought it could be more,” Kerr explains. “They wanted the space to be a space for everyone — a space that would serve the whole community and not just church on Sunday … [It] is now Zion Community Commons: a public space for the common good.”
Zion hosts several arts programs, from theater to music to sound baths, and runs a food justice program three days a week.
Once again, it felt like a natural fit. “[Our ensemble is] a home for the renegades,” Posthuma says. “Just as we welcome all kinds of new music, we welcome all kinds of artists and musicians. We have had many musicians and composers from the queer community present their work through the Vanguard New Music Series …Our mission statement and tagline is inherently queer: We seek to champion the unfamiliar, the weird, the independent and the obscure musical ideas that don’t fit into the current musical landscape and connect artists and audiences interested in new music.”
Coffin agrees. “Queer folks are an integral part of the Twin Cities new music scene, and Vanguard New Music Series reflects that. Some examples of this include commissioning new works from composers like Ryann Daisy Swimmer or artists such as Emily Boyajian presenting her own works on past seasons.”
The 2025 season is off to a strong start. “We are presenting our largest series so far. Concerts will be the third Thursday of every other month,” Coffin says. “The shows have something for everyone in a variety of styles ranging from experimental electronic to world music and everything in between.”
“Our January show was off the charts with electronic works played alongside guitar, sax and tuba. It was a showcase of the best composers of the electronic genre and the best partners on their instruments,” Kerr says. “In May, the Four Crazies are returning: Nyttu Chongo (mbira and other African instruments), James Holdman (bouzouki), Tim O’Keefe (Brazilian percussion) and myself on cello — it’s our mix of instruments. Also returning are the RenegadeEnsemble vocalists in September with new works for mixed choir.”
“One of the features of this series is its eclecticism,” Mayhew says. After echoing Kerr’s recommendation of experiencing the Four Crazies in May, he continues: “If you just want a wide variety, my own group, Lemonbrass Quintet, will be performing in July, and our program will have everything from arrangements of folk tunes to aleatoric/improvised chaos. Really, the unifying force with this series is the mission to celebrate music-makers in our own backyard.”
Posthuma continues: “We want each concert to really be driven by the artists themselves. Our only ‘rule’ is that the majority of the music be written by Minnesota composers … because we want to invest in growing our local arts ecosystem. Each ensemble chooses their own music within those guidelines.”
RenegadeEnsemble shows are a blast and attending is a great way to support unique, often queer, Minnesota music. The Vanguard New Music Series has shows at Zion Community Commons on the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Upcoming shows and the RenegadeEnsemble website are listed below.
Zeitgeist | Sounding Ground || March 20
Nyttu Chongo + The Four Crazies || May 15
Lemonbrass || July 17
RenegadeEnsemble || September 18
Composer Night | Acoustic || November 20
renegadeensemble.org/performances
Ani DiFranco – Photo by Shervin Lainez
Q-Music:
To Ani and Beyond
Singer/songwriter and indie music mogul Ani DiFranco released her eponymous debut album on her own record label almost 35 years ago. After releasing (almost) an album a year until around 2008, DiFranco, who maintained a rigorous tour schedule, began taking her time between records. Her latest, “Unprecedented Sh!t” (Righteous Babe), arrived a little over three years after its predecessor. While DiFranco maintains her reputation as a singular lyricist (see “Virus,” “New Bible,” “Spinning Room,” “You Forgot To Speak,” “The Think At Hand”), it’s her approach to the audio component that offers listeners a revolutionary change. Sonically experimental (and exciting), with some songs clocking in at under three minutes and a couple just over five, the “unprecedented” sound (listen to title cut) matches some of the “unprecedented” subject matter she addresses. DiFranco performs April 8 in Minneapolis at First Avenue.
As soon as you hear Sophie Gault’s voice on “Kick The Devil Away,” the opening track to her second album “Baltic Street Hotel” (Strong Place Music), you’ll understand why she was featured as a backing vocalist on Lucinda Williams’ 2023 album “Stories From a Rock ‘n’ Roll Heart.” The similarities in their voices are so striking! Gault also has Williams’ knack for balancing rockers (“Christmas in the Psych Ward,” “Fixin Things,” “Jealousy,” “Poet In A Buick”) with breathtaking ballads (“Lately,” “Lights,” “Over and Out”). Gault’s cover of Patty Griffin’s “Every Little Bit” deserves to be heard by everyone.
Speaking of Patty Griffin, you can hear her influence, as well as that of Kacey Musgraves, on singer/songwriter Madi Diaz’s amazing new album “Weird Death” (Anti-). Musgraves even joins Diaz on “Don’t Do Me Good.” An exceptional set of 12 modern folk-pop tunes, Diaz’s ability to musically slip an arm around our shoulder and pull us into her world makes us not want to leave her orbit. Songs such as “Hurting You,” “Girlfriend,” “Same Risk,” “God Person,” “Get To Know Me” and “KFM.” Definitely one of the best albums of the year.
While we’re on the subject of influences, it’s hard to name another artist who wears the impact of Lana Del Rey more audibly than Suki Waterhouse. That’s meant as a compliment, especially in the way she takes the Del Rey ball and runs with it and makes it her own on her new album “Memoir of a Sparklemuffin” (Sub Pop). It comes through loud and clear on “Could Have Been a Star,” “Faded,” “To Get You,” “Legendary,” “Lawsuit,” “OMG,” “Model, Actress, Whatever” and “To Love.” Of course, there’s much more to Waterhouse, as you can hear on the “Blackout Drunk,” “My Fun” and “Big Love.”
If you don’t count the soundtrack to “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” (in which she starred), Andra Day took nine years between her lauded debut album and her new one, “Cassandra (Cherith)” (Warner Records). Beginning with opener “Maybe Next Time,” Day comes across as Erykah Badu crossed with Holiday, and the results are compelling. But we must wait until the next song, “Probably,” to hear Day stretch out, belting to the sky and beyond. Other moments of fantastic brilliance include “Midnight,” the Amy Winehouse-esque “Bottom of the Bottle,” the subtly brassy “More,” the deceptive simplicity of “Chasing” and the beggingfor-a-remix “Champagne Flutes.” All in all, it was well worth the wait for this Day to come.
When you first hear the timeless “On Tonight,” the opening cut on “Bite Down” (Merge) by mono-monikered Rosali, you might think you were listening to a vintage folk-rock tune, but you’d be wrong. To her credit, Rosali (Middleman) has a gift for creating contemporary Americana that sounds deeply rooted in the Laurel Canyon tradition. Backed by fantastic musicians, that retro energy carries on throughout Rosali’s wonderful record, creating a sense of sonic nostalgia, especially on “Rewind,” “My Kind,” “Slow Pain,” “Hopeless,” “May It Be On Offer” and the keys on the title number.
Louisa Stancioff stands out from the pack in interesting ways. First, her soprano lilt is approachable and pleasing. It’s also tricky in the way that as sweet as it sounds, it belies the darker aspects of her lyrics, as in the case of “Cigarette,” “Nobody’s Watching,” “All F—’d Up” and “Quarantine.” As if that wasn’t enough of a recommendation, she does it all in under 40 minutes. Brava!
Continued on page 18
Louisa Stancioff – Photo by Matt Gaillet
Adding some international flair to this column, singer/songwriter Jana Mila, an Amsterdammer, has released her debut album “Chameleon” (New West). A thoroughly pleasant folk-pop mélange, the album opens with the gorgeous “Like Only Lovers Could” which floats in on stunning harmonies and a stirring cello. “Somebody New” picks up the pace and feels like a hit single. The bare bones “Love Let Go” captures the break-up mood, while “I Wasn’t Gonna” builds until it gets its point across. The piano and vocal “In Between” shows another side of Mila.
Keeping with the global theme, Australian-born Ruth Moody, who made her name as one-third of the Canadian trio The Wailin’ Jennys, has released her latest solo effort, “Wanderer” (Blue Muse). Even with that pedigree, Moody has crafted some of the loveliest Americana you’re likely to hear. Highlights include “Seventeen,” “North Calling,” “Comin’ Round the Bend” and the incredible “Twilight.”
(Clockwise) Sophie Gault – Photo by Anna Haas, Rosali – Photo by Asia Harman, Ruth Moody – Photo by Jacquelin Justice
Trust the Hours: Exploring Mental Health Through Art
“If someone asks me, ‘Why do you write?’ my answer is that it’s my job to discover the metaphors with which the universe speaks to us, and that this discovery is therapy,” Jean Prokott says. “To work through a poem is to actually work through the large problems of the world and sometimes my own mental illness and trauma.”
Prokott is Rochester’s poet laureate, one of 22 around the country who were awarded funding through the Academy of American Poets and the Mellon Foundation “to undertake meaningful and innovative projects that enrich the lives of community members, including youth, through responsive and interactive poetry activities.”
Her project pulls together creative works from a diverse group of poets and artists who self-identify as affected by mental illness, whether it’s their own or someone close to them. The project, hosted at Rochester’s Historic Chateau Theatre, kicks off with a live poetry reading on April 26 and features
an exhibit that’s open to the public through the first weekend of June.
Commissioning a mix of visual art and poetry deliberately created a space where the two are meant to be experienced side by side. She named the project Trust the Hours, borrowed from a Galway Kinnell poem titled “Wait,” written for a student who was considering suicide.
“I wanted to be incredibly specific in how we defined mental illness because I believe the way we talk about it can impact the stigma,” Prokott adds. “That is, overgeneralization could be construed as talking around it rather than about it; it could be seen as diminishing it, watering it down.”
Photos courtesy of Jean Prokott
Eight of the 24 artists involved in the project identify as LGBTQ+, and for many of them, mental health is a large part of the stories they tell through their work.
“The piece that I created is called ‘Minnesota Nice,’ and it’s kind of built around a little bit of the PTSD and trauma that I have growing up as a biracial and bisexual woman here in Minnesota in the ‘90s and 2000s,” shares mixed-media artist Tierney Parker.
“I think I’ve always been told that I need to be in a box and felt that pressure a lot,” Parker continues. “In times like this, where we’re being questioned and not tolerated more than ever, [mental health] is extremely important.”
Pono Asuncion (ze/they) also uses art as a form of therapy. “Making art is a coping skill, a mode of processing and a medicine for me. My art allows me to connect with my ancestors and establish agency,” ze shared.
Although they often create landscapes they think of as places where loved ones they grieve can visit, Asuncion created a series of self-portraits for this exhibit. “Through art, I don’t feel the need to explain myself, and I get to take the burden of translation off my shoulders,” ze says. “It takes away the need to analyze and compartmentalize all the different aspects of my identity with verbal language.”
“Racism, transphobia, interpersonal trauma — these things limit and erode one’s sense of possibility,” ze continues. “Visual art, for me, is a method of journaling about and documenting my indigeneity, neurodivergence and queerness that would otherwise be difficult to communicate.”
Poetry is also an avenue used to explore concepts that can be difficult to articulate. “Writing is a very therapeutic practice for me, as well as a spiritual practice,” says Leo Rose Rodriguez, describing poetry as a space where they are able to work out feelings and concepts they’re grappling with without the pressure of having to organize it into a logical sentence structure.
“So much of gender and sexuality exists in this ineffable place,” they continue. “I can’t necessarily write you an essay clearly laying out my gender, but I still feel it in my body, and my poetry is the vehicle by which I help you feel those indescribable feelings. Long before I came out, my writing was a space where I could safely explore the possibilities for my life and my future.”
For Rodriguez, mental and physical health are a package deal. “The brain and the body are part of each other, and they’re constantly in communication,” they say. “So, it makes a lot of sense that, for me, I could not have gone on one of those journeys without taking on the other as well.”
Parker uses her art to not only express herself and explore her identities but also to allow people to ask questions and explore difficult topics. “To me, I think a lot of people need to get comfortable being uncomfortable because that’s the only way that we learn,” she says.
The project ended up taking on additional meaning for Prokott during the planning process.
“Now I see it as an act of political resistance as much as a way to fight the stigma, promote selfexpression, and create empathy and community,” she says. “Poetry and art are resistance. What an amazing opportunity to find such beautiful people in and around Rochester to fight for who we are and the world we want.”
(Top to Bottom) Photo courtesy of Tierney Parker. Photo courtesy of Kapono Asuncion
Out of the Last Closet – On Living with Mental Illness
Some readers may remember a piece I did on social worker Donna Sue Johnson a few issues back. She’s an amazing person, and the first twenty minutes of the interview provided the information on which the article was based — a chronicle of her lifetime of service to the mentally ill and chemically dependent, as well as to the LGBTQ+ senior community.
After this part of our phone conversation was over, I couldn’t resist revealing to her that I was speaking to her from the basement recreation room of a group home for the mentally ill and chemically dependent. She laughed and correctly guessed my diagnosis: schizoaffective, bipolar type. This diagnosis is, to my best self-evaluation, correct. It means, in my case, that I hear voices that, coupled with the instability of my mood, alternatively assist me in carrying out the tasks of daily living and impede my efforts to accomplish them. I have, in more clinical terms, difficulty in organizing my thoughts and actions, though I am “high functioning” for a nut job. Hence, I can write a little. How does it play out? Let’s say I want a drink of water. The voices will probably encourage me to get to the sink and pour a glass, but they might insist that I first make my bed or do some other tasks. This can go on for some time while I’m thirsty, but as these tasks multiply (mania) I might eventually fall into a funk, realizing that this is ridiculous, and why can’t I get a drink of water (depression)? If all this doesn’t really make sense to you, you’re lucky. You’re not crazy.
Medical professionals feel that the voices I hear are probably the result of an imbalance in brain chemistry involving, most importantly, the neurotransmitter serotonin. I therefore take a variety of psych meds, the most important of which are Lamictal (a mood stabilizer) and Rexulti in combination with Seroquel (the first of which, in further combination with Prozac, helps address the voices and some of my bipolar symptoms).
Frankly, I also swallow down a few tranquilizers such as Ativan, when necessary, and I’ve been known to self-medicate with food and compulsive behaviors (like binge-cleaning) to get through the worst of what the voices throw at me. Accusations and recriminations from the voices (usually baseless) can lead to paranoia, confusion, guilt and fear. Sometimes, I lie in bed and weep. If necessary, I go into the hospital for a few days: they throw the I-Ching and reshuffle my meds and I get back home and try again. I mean, what the Hey — it’s only torture. You can’t let it ruin your life.
More than the pills, God helps. God is very real to me, and some people, including medical professionals, feel that some of the voices I hear may be spiritual rather than strictly psychological in origin. My own spirituality finds its basis in the Christian tradition, particularly the Catholic denomination. I consider myself Catholic (and I’m abstinent, as the Church proscribes for observant gay members, though even if the church decides to bless gay marriages, I’d still be abstinent — I just don’t need the drama). I also find spiritual support coming from Christians of every description, Buddhist, Jewish and Muslim friends, and compassionate atheists who believe God is “imaginary” and my and anyone’s faithlife is a delusion.
On the contrary: when I pray, my prayers form a conversation with God (“real” or “imaginary”) which often can be revelatory and comforting, and sometimes can assist me in counseling others. A deeply sane but faith-filled friend of many years has referred to me several times as a “mystic” (she believes one of the voices I hear sometimes is God or is inspired by God). A priest once called me a “prophet” (he believes I am ecumenically loopy). First and foremost, I consider myself a damn, fat old man who just turned 59, known as “Geezer” in my group home.
My work at this group home is small in scale, but important to my mental health as well. I have what I call a “Peanut Butter Ministry,” which involves gathering up my scant personal needs money to provide PB&J sandwiches and other snack food to people who miss meals or are hungry between meal times. Through donations, I also provide house coffee between meals. Most of the 31 residents here are younger people, (primarily men but a few women, too) and they always have the latest phones and video game
Photo courtesy of Arthur Diggins
consoles, but never anything to eat when hungry, and rarely winter clothing or a pair of shoes when whatever they’re wearing gives out (I’ve given away more Goodwill-cheap clothes than I’ve bought for myself in the past few years … don’t get me started on the lack of care given to the mentally ill when it comes to basic, physical needs).
Donations of games, especially cards, are gathered, and notebooks, pens, drawing materials and other recreational supplies find their way here through my efforts as well. Our youngest resident was a cheeseburger in paradise last summer when I managed to get a basketball backboard for the parking lot.
I’ve also been known to break house rules and help residents with cleaning and organizing their space (recall the binge-cleaning I mentioned: sometimes it’s to good use) and getting their laundry done. And don’t forget cigarettes. Most all of us smoke, us crazy people, and countless informal counseling sessions have started when someone asks me for a “square.”
My emotional reward for this small and inexpensive work is bountiful! “This place would suck without you,” I’m regularly and quite soberly assured. A few months ago, three of the residents approached me on the porch of the house, wished me a Happy Father’s Day, and told me they had decided to buy me a tattoo since they’d noticed I don’t have one, and what tattoo would I like? Kind of a deer-in-the-headlights moment for a religiously conservative old codger like myself. Well, I still don’t have any ink, but it’s the thought that counts.
So: I’m a writer, a nut, a Christian, an impoverished philanthropist and gay to boot. I live an uncertain and sometimes precarious life with people on the fringes of the fringes of society. And I’ve been blessed. I’ve been blessed.
I’ve been blessed.
See the pillars shadowing slats Of patiod spring mornings
Flecks of white drifting by
The smoke from cigarettes Of unquiet minds Mixes with moisture From dew-cool grass
Breakfast coffee is rationed But plentiful
Toast and cereal, white and sweet
The house awakened by fruitless healing efforts
Turn over in bed
Linger awhile out of the sun
Let sleep the sickness
– Arthur Diggins
The author’s illustrated poetry book, “Houses Without Door: poems on Schizophrenia and living with mental illness,” is available on Amazon.
PEELING BACK THE CURTAIN: Former News Anchor Bryan Piatt Talks the Importance of Visibility and Vulnerability
At just 26, Bryan Piatt landed his dream job as a morning reporter for KARE 11. Three years out from graduating from St. Cloud University, Piatt had been in the industry for three years and never expected to work for a major network so soon. Piatt reflected on the beginning of his broadcast career, when he spent much of his time connecting with members of the community.
“I first got hired as a morning reporter … So, I got sent out to all these fun wacky live shots … to this day, I feel like [the segments] I did at the beginning of my time at KARE 11 were some of the most meaningful work I did,” Piatt says.
For seven years, Piatt appeared on the air, bringing stories and traffic reports to the Twin Cities, but reality was not as glamorous as what people saw on screen. Behind the scenes, Piatt was reaching a breaking point, struggling with panic attacks every time he went on the air.
Lavender sat down with former news anchor Bryan Piatt to peel back the curtain on mental health, discussing the importance of visibility and vulnerability.
“There was a lot of pressure with that job, probably a lot of pressure I put on myself,” Piatt reflects. In 2018, his symptoms became unbearable, and he had to address his mental health struggles, stepping away from the camera and prioritizing his emotional well-being.
Piatt’s mental health had been a lifelong struggle, one he traces back to middle school. Originally from Denver, Piatt’s family relocated to Fargo, N.D., when he was 12.
“The move … was huge for me,” Piatt reflects. “Here I was, a very sensitive, expressive 12-year-old, who in many ways didn’t fit the mold of what it means to be a ‘man’ in our society.”
Photos by Sam Holt
Piatt remembers when obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) began to affect his life, filling his mind with disturbing intrusive thoughts that made him question himself and his value as a person. Simultaneously, Piatt’s sexuality began to trouble him, as he started to develop crushes on other boys in school. Shame weighed heavily on young Piatt, as his compounding differences made it challenging to fit in with his peers. It was a lonely existence, not knowing anyone like himself.
Eventually, Piatt went to college at St. Cloud State University, where he would come out about his sexuality, but his mental health still burdened him, growing worse with time. Convinced there was something wrong with him, Piatt kept his unwanted thoughts a secret into his early 30s, until 2018, when his OCD and anxiety became unbearable, and he realized he needed professional help. As he sought treatment, Piatt confronted the shame that had hung over his head for so many years, inviting the people in his life to support him.
“[Shame] can take us out real fast if we don’t trust in people and invite other people into our experience to support us and love us through it,” Piatt says.
After a year of working on his mental health, Piatt stepped back into the public eye with a message: You are not alone. With the platform he had built with KARE 11, Piatt wanted to use his voice to tell his story, touching on even the more difficult symptoms.
“It was really scary,” Piatt recalls, but he felt it was important to speak out. “There’s far too many people walking around experiencing these taboo themes of OCD, and thinking there is something terribly wrong with them, when the reality is they’re living with a mental health disorder.”
Piatt thought that if he could even reach one person with his story, it would all be worth it. After the interview aired, there was an overwhelmingly positive response, with strangers approaching him in public, thanking him for his courage.
“I feel like it opened up a portal for other people to be vulnerable … It’s really special that I was given a platform to reach a lot of people,” Piatt says. Piatt’s career took a turn as he accepted public speaking opportunities and went on podcasts to talk about his journey. The more time he spent doing advocacy work, the more he felt compelled to enter the mental health field professionally. During the pandemic, Piatt made a life-changing decision: to leave the job security of KARE 11 to pursue a new dream as a mental health therapist. Piatt graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychological Services in January 2024. He specializes in treating OCD and anxiety, helping people with his same condition overcome intrusive thoughts and compulsions.
While he is grateful for his time at KARE 11, Piatt has no regrets about his career pivot. “This work aligns with who I am at the core,” Piatt says. He can harness his lived experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as someone living with OCD to create a safe haven for clients to be “heard, validated and loved through what they’re going through.”
Piatt’s own mental health journey isn’t over, and he expressed that there are good days and bad days. “Living with mental health challenges is less about what I need to do to never feel uncomfortable emotions,” he says. “It’s more about how I can shift my relationships with those things and show up for my life the best I can with those things along for the ride.” He emphasized that now more than ever, we need to be gentle with ourselves.
You Are Not Alone: LGBTQ+ People Can Find Support Through Crisis Lines and NAMI Minnesota
Mental health has become a more open topic in the past few years, allowing more people to feel less isolated and seek help when needed. This is especially important for people with LGBTQ+ identities.
In Minnesota, about 11% of students in 8th grade or above identified as transgender, gender fluid, two-spirit or unsure/didn’t answer, according to the Minnesota Department of Health’s 2022 Minnesota Student Survey. Over half of them reported having long-term mental health, behavioral or emotional problems. LGBTQ+ students were also three times more likely to report seriously considering suicide and four times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual students.
With a clear prevalence of mental health struggles in LGBTQ+ youth in Minnesota, it’s important to know that resources are available and that you are not alone. Asking for help can be difficult for many people, but it’s
important to remember that there’s no shame or weakness in needing support. Peer-led support groups can help reduce that intimidation, with many leaders volunteering because of how support groups helped them through their own struggles.
The Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has many resources for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as a list connecting you to local resources. One way they help support mental health in the community is through support groups. They sponsor a weekly LGBTQ+ support group on Saturdays and a BIPOC LGBTQ+ support group on Sundays, facilitated by two volunteers who want to give back to the community.
Abamikhu Jones and Marion Edwards are facilitators and volunteers for the support groups and are there to guide with the lightest touch. The support groups are meant to be a freeform safe space for queer people to share their experiences, help each other and provide community.
“I started out as a participant when I was in a very dark space in my
life. In a lot of ways, I was dealing with suicide idealization. It was pretty tough, and NAMI, this particular support group with Marion as a facilitator, was one of the things that I used to help rebuild my mental health,” Jones says.
Facilitators complete an intensive two-day training to help guide conversations. They are provided with tools to support people in crisis and who are struggling with mental health challenges, but Edwards says a main principle is finding strength in shared experiences. Both Edwards and Jones have gone through their own journeys and became facilitators once they were in a place to help others.
Some of the best advice given to others comes from people who understand and have gone through a similar experience. Edwards and Jones can draw on their own experiences and coping mechanisms to help guide others through their struggles.
“Every week, I will come out of group feeling uplifted just knowing that we’ve got community, we’ve got people who care about each other, we’ve got each other’s backs and we’re doing good for each other,” Edwards says.
The groups are centered around people who show up and want to share and receive support, Edwards says. They start the sessions with their guidelines of support that reflect things like seeing the individual, not the illness, and practicing respect and empathy to guide the discussion and maintain a safe space and strong community.
“When you come to the group, you are meeting a bunch of people you have probably never probably met and will probably never meet again, but it’s family,” Jones says.
It’s important to share resources, like the NAMI support groups, and increase awareness of the amount of support for people in need. Having a space to share how you’re feeling out loud or even to sit and listen to others can be helpful, Jones says.
There are also various free online resources for people to get immediate support, such as the 24/7 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and Trans Lifeline’s hotline, run by trans people for trans and questioning peers. For LGBTQ+ specific support for people under 25 from an LGBTQ+-trained crisis counselor, text PRIDE to 988 or dial 988 and press 3. Trans Lifeline’s hotline is anonymous and confidential and can be accessed weekdays from noon to 8 p.m. at +1 (877) 565-8860.
Whether you’re looking for people to talk to or working toward taking a step toward bettering your mental health, resources like NAMI and its support groups are free and accessible for everyone.
BY EMMA WALYTKA
Support in your Exploration, Healing and Growth: NobleTree Therapy
NobleTree Therapy, a small group therapy practice located in St. Paul, works with a variety of treatment areas, including relationship concerns, religious trauma, spiritual abuse, grief and loss, identity development, attachment, family systems, depression, adoption, trauma, and anxiety through individual, couples and family therapy.
The name NobleTree is rooted in the idea that every person carries wisdom, depth, and complexity, shaped by the many storms they have endured — just like a tree’s internal rings resemble the experiences that shape us, says Kendra Snyder, founder of NobleTree. On a simpler note, “NobleTree” was the name of a preexisting coffee shop from when Snyder used to live in Chicago.
Photos courtesy of Kendra Snyder and NobleTree Therapy
“This idea that we each have everything that we need within ourselves and we don’t need to look outside of ourselves to find ourselves again, or to find completion, is beautiful,” Snyder says.
With Snyder as the founder and no intentions of expanding, the four-person team brings unique experiences and identities to the space and its clients. For Snyder, she is going on 14 years in practice, running the group and working as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing in-depth psychotherapy with specializations in attachment, trauma, identity development, grief and loss, as well as religious trauma and spiritual abuse.
Lee Start, a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Independent Clinical Social Worker, says they specialize in religious trauma and spiritual abuse, especially at the intersection of queer and trans identity.
Snyder and Start knew one another from working at a local nonprofit, Reclamation Collective, that works to help people with religious trauma and spiritual harm.
Trauma-informed and body-based therapist Sarah Berge, with experience as an inner religious chaplain, has been in practice since 2011 and enjoys integrating spirituality and therapy.
Before this team started, it was 2016, and Snyder was working out of her own private practice in Denver when she started having people who wanted to work on their experiences within religious and spiritual contexts.
“At that time in my life, I had gone through my own departure and healing from harmful spiritual and religious practices, and it felt like I was ready to support people in that arena,” Snyder says.
Just a few years later, Snyder moved to Minnesota, co-founding Reclamation Collective, a nonprofit that holds space for those navigating religious trauma through non-therapeutic support.
After practicing by herself for six years, the demand for therapists specializing in religious trauma and spiritual abuse, alongside depth-oriented therapy, led to the formation of NobleTree Therapy. For nearly four-and-ahalf years, Snyder and the NobleTree team have focused on long-term work, specializing in in-depth psychotherapy.
Continued on page 34
Community Connection brings visibility to local LGBTQ-friendly non-profit organizations. To reserve your listing in Community Connection, email advertising@lavendermagazine. com.
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
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
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
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
NAMI Minnesota
(National Alliance on Mental Illness) Providing free classes and peer support groups for people affected by mental illnesses.
1919 University Ave. W., Ste. 400 St. Paul, MN 55104 (651) 645-2948 www.namimn.org
Red Door Clinic
HIV and STI screening, treatment, education, and referrals. Doxy PEP, nPEP, PrEP, and Reproductive Health. 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. www.mnhs.org
Minneapolis Institute of Art Enjoy masterpieces from all over the world & every period of human history.
Free admission daily!
2400 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 870-3000 www.artsmia.org
PERFORMING ARTS
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
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 family-friendly 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
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 & 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
All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church
A welcoming, inclusive, safe place to explore and discover God’s love for ALL God’s children. 3100 Park Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612) 824-2673 www.agcmcc.org
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. Philip's Lutheran Church
We invite and welcome those of every spiritual background, ethnicity, gender orientation, or economic situation. 6180 Hwy 65 Fridley, MN 55432 (763) 571-1500 www.splcmn.org
University Baptist Church
Creating safe and inclusive spaces for 175 years, UBC stands proudly with our LGBTQ+ family. 1219 University Ave. SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 331-1768 www.ubcmn.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
Lyngblomsten Community Services
Empowering older adults to live well at home through caregiver support, memory-loss enrichment, & wellness education. 1415 Almond Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108 (651) 632-5330 www.Lyngblomsten.org/CServices
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
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
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Serving all Minnesotans with personcentered services that promote full and abundant lives.
lssmn.org | (651) 642-5990 | (800) 582-5260 Employment Opportunities | lssmn.org/careers PICS (Partners in Community Supports) | picsmn.org
Pooled Trust | (888) 806-6844
Supported Decision-Making | (888) 806-6844
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Westopolis Minnesota’s Sweet Spot! St. Louis Park & Golden Valley offer exceptional dining, attractions, shopping, hotels and event space.
1660 Hwy 100 S., Ste. 501 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 426-4047
www.westopolis.org
Estimates 7:30am-4:30pm
THE NETWORK
Account Executive: Lavender Media, Minnesota’s LGBTQ Media Company, is seeking to add a Twin Cities based full-time Account Executive to our sales team. We are seeking an outgoing, organized, self- driven & motivated professional with excellent phone, writing and presentation skills. Candidates must be local and should enjoy working direc tly with clients who are interested in growing their business through adver tising and event sponsorships with Lavender. Compensation: $1,500 base + commission ever y issue (two weeks) and an employee bene ts package that includes group health, dental, life insurance and LTD
Please send your cover letter and resume to stephen.rocheford@lavendermagazine.com.
RAINBOW LOTUS THERAPY
Jamie Winter, MA, ATR, CYT
Photo by Nina Luna
“I never thought that I would start a group,” Snyder says. “I was pretty adamant that I never would, but then it just kind of happened where people were expressing a ton of interest and needing someone to specialize in this.”
Start says there is a shared language within the queer community, and NobleTree is fluent in that vocabulary — making it so that the people within the queer community aren’t being tokenized and doing extra work for their therapist.
Pressures surrounding the revolving question in therapy, such as “Is this a good fit?” are combated by providing free consultations, giving people the opportunity to ask questions and freedom to choose a provider that is the best fit, Berge says.
NobleTree’s structure as a private pay therapy practice allows it to focus on client experience, needs and goals without centering pathology.
“While still honoring diagnoses and doing everything ethically, it’s nice to not have certain constraints,” Berge says. “Specifically in the industry that is the mental health industry, that really, I think, problematicizes and pathologizes people, and often isn’t safe for certain populations.”
“It’s important to recognize that therapy can feel similar to dynamics where people experience harm, whether it’s in a religious community, church or cult — because there is still a power dynamic present,” Start says.
The NobleTree team pays special attention to client autonomy, choice and centering the client’s knowledge of themselves to aid in safety within this unique therapeutic relationship.
“Supporting folks, we’re honoring that autonomy and seeing what that can feel like for them in a healthy way, is really powerful,” Start says.
According to Start, the intersection of queer and trans identity alongside religious trauma is intensified, and having a therapeutic support that understands these dynamics has a large impact on people’s ability to not only survive, but also thrive as the most authentic version of themselves.
Snyder says that while NobleTree supports people with a variety of concerns, including religious trauma and spiritual abuse, it is not an antispiritual practice, which she believes is a strong and polarizing stance.
“I believe any sort of environment that is dogmatic in any way is actually perpetuating harm. We’re actually then taking away people’s freedom of choice and autonomy to know who they are and know what fits them,” Snyder says. “NobleTree is affirming of spiritual practice, as long as it doesn’t harm self or harm another person.”
If you are interested in exploring working with a provider at NobleTree Therapy, please visit their website at www.nobletreetherapy.com or email info@nobletreetherapy.com
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