God thinks you’re fabulous, and so do we!

First Christian Church is a coalition partner with MnSOC (Minnesota School Outreach Coalition). MnSOC’s mission is to create healthy learning enviroments for youth that are inclusive, supportive, and safe; and where dual orientation and gender identity/expressions are respected.  MnSOC hosts the Q-Qwest daylong event for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Allied youth to enjoy workshops, food, dancing, conversation, and art with a couple hundred other LGBTQA youth from across the metro & greater metro area.

First Christian Church is also an “AllianceQ” congregation through Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance, members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), called to join in God’s work of transforming the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) into a just and inclusive church that welcomes persons of all gender expressions and sexual identities into the full life and leadership of the church. Visit the AllianceQ resource page

As part of our Open Table mission, we aim to be a resource for LGBTQIA youth and their families, as well as adults. We are excited to announce a new resource & organization, Hope Full-ness, founded by a member of our congregation. Hope Fullness LLC was formed in response to the lack of cultural accessibility to peer and professional support for BIPOC LGBTQIA+ young people. They are a “social and civic organization” offering free services focused on individual/group mentorship, peer support, life skills development, and advocacy opportunities.

Advocacy:

OutFront MN: OutFront Minnesota’s mission is to create a state where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are free to be who they are, love who they love, and live without fear of violence, harassment or discrimination.
Soulforce: Works to end the political and religious oppression of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people through relentless nonviolent resistance and sabotaging Christian Supremacy.

Elders:
Gay Lesbian Elders Active in Minnesota (GLEAM): Social space for “elder Gays and Lesbians” focused on peer support and community connection.

Gender Justice:
Gender Justice: Work towards gender equity through legal representation/services, advocacy, and collaboration.

Health/Health-Related:
African-American AIDS Task Force: an AIDS Service Organization that devotes 100% of its efforts to HIV/AIDS related activities.  We work to ensure that our activities are devoted to advancing the agencies mission to “provide culturally appropriate HIV prevention, education and services to people of African decent (and others) who are living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS.”
Center for Disease Control — LGBT Youth: overview of LGBT youth health issues and resources.
Clinic 555 (Twin Cities Metro): Offers access to sexual and reproductive health services for adults and teens with service costs ranging from “low” to “free” based on a sliding fee scale. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Family Tree Clinic: serves LGBTQ communities through our outreach, education, and clinic services.
Indigenous People’s Task Force: Works to develop and implement culturally appropriate HIV education and direct services, such as HIV counseling and rapid testing, to the Indigenous community in Minnesota.
Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition: Trans support group based on topics and resources. Members include trans women, trans men, and non-binary people, all seeking and sharing information.
myHealth: myHealth is a clinic in Hopkins, MN serving teens and young adults ages 12-26 for medical and mental health care. myHealth welcomes youth of all races, faiths, cultures, gender identities, sexual orientations and backgrounds. Our services are provided in a confidential, non-judgmental, caring and safe environment.
Out and Sober MN: LGBTQ+ substance use support groups and resources.
Rainbow Health: promotes equitable health care access and outcomes for people who experience injustice at the intersection of health status and identity. We center our work on individuals and communities at risk of and living with HIV and who face barriers because of their identity as gender, sexual, and/or racial minorities.
Red Door Clinic: Minnesota’s largest STD/HIV clinic. Expert staff. Confidential, friendly service. Close to light rail and bus.
Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN): Supporting rural Minnesota in the fight to stop HIV through a variety of services, such as risk reduction, resources, advocacy, and awareness.
SHIFT MN: Shift MN fights for healthier LGBTQ communities by severing ties with corporate tobacco through education, advocacy, social media, and policy.
Trans-Disabled Care: Mutual aid fund for trans & nonbinary disabled people in Minnesota”
Youth and AIDS Project: housed within the U Of M Dept. of Pediatrics providing care to youth & families.

Higher Education:
Go Grad:  Information on scholarships for LGBTQ students.  The first part is graduate scholarships, scroll down to the bottom of the page for information on undergraduate resources.

Housing:
Avenues for Homeless Youth: provides emergency shelter, short-term housing and supportive services for homeless youth in a safe and nurturing environment.
Clare Housing: provides a continuum of affordable and supportive housing options that create healing communities and optimize the health of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Hope Housing (Central MN): AIDS hospice care, housing, and support.
The Bridge for Youth: help youth and families build the bridge from crisis to connection.
Youth Services Network: provides up-to-the minute information on services available, from beds at shelters to outreach workers available to talk to and more.

Language:
The Radical Copyeditor’s Style Guide for Writing About Transgender People: The purpose of this guide is to help people of all gender identities and experiences practice more care toward those on the margins. Trans people must be understood as the authorities on ourselves and the language used to describe us.

Mental Health/Crisis Assistance/Support Groups:
Canvas Health Crisis Connection: provides 24 hour crisis counseling counseling by telephone.
Face to Face: a non-profit organization dedicated to the needs of youth ages 11–23 that offers health care, counseling, and programs for homeless youth.
Minnesota Transgender Alliance: providing resources and support to all members of the transgender community. Building relationships through fellowship and understanding.
National Alliance on Mental Illness in Minnesota:  resources and classes for LGBTQ youth
RECLAIM: aims to increase access to mental health support so LGBT youth may reclaim their lives from oppression in all its forms.
Trevor Project: the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
YouthLink: empowering youth to shape their futures by providing a safe, supportive, respectful and responsive community of excellence.

Resources for Parents:
Camp True Colors: Camp True Colors – Minnesota is for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) youth ages 13-18 who may or may not be participating in an out-of-home program. This camp focuses on building a positive community and provides a safe and stigma-free place for its participants. Activities available include canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and talent shows.  Education sessions on topics relevant to the LGBT community are also provided.
PFLAG: promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends.
OutFront Minnesota: a wide variety of programs and resources.
Transforming Families: an inclusive and safe space for families with transgender and questioning youth to come together as a community which promotes self-awareness, resources, and visibility through advocacy.

School & Community Resources:
Minnesota School Pride GSA Network:  In partnership with Out 4 Good and Out For Equity, OutFront Minnesota has established a statewide GSA Network to connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied (LGBTQA) middle and high school groups and provide students and advisors with support, education, and leadership development.
Out for Equity: GLBT support services for St. Paul Public Schools.
Out 4 Good: GLBT support services for the Minneapolis Public Schools.
Quatrefoil Library: volunteer-led LGBTQ+ community library and archives.