About Our Anti-Violence Program

OutFront Minnesota's Anti-Violence Program (AVP) is a broad-based effort to end violence and harassment against and within LGBTQ+ communities in Minnesota. We work in collaboration with survivors and community members to build safety and power - as well as opportunities for support and healing - through the provision of crisis intervention services, systems advocacy, counseling, community education, and outreach. We believe that everyone deserves to be safe from harm regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. From the individual to the community to the state, we believe eliminating violence and harassment requires social change at every level.

    Our Staff and Volunteers:

    • Work to prevent violence and harassment from occurring against our community members through awareness, education, and increased visibility
    • Collaborate with survivors in finding their own paths to healing and empowerment through safe and effective support services
    • Partner with other organizations to create a strong network of well-trained and inclusive service providers throughout Minnesota.

    The AVP Health Shelf

    The Health Shelf is filled with hygiene products, a small food pantry, clothing, safe sex supplies, cold weather gear, and gender affirming products! This shelf is open to all LGBTQ+ community members who have experienced violence.

    The Health Shelf can be accessed by appointment only.  Please contact the AVP crisis line to arrange.

    The number to call is 612-822-0127 option 3 or 800-800-0350.

    For donations or questions, contact Ashley Harp at aharp@outfront.org. The Health Shelf is located at the OutFront office in the Sabathani Community Center.

    Help is Available

    If you would like to speak with a trained LGBTQ Anti-Violence Program advocate at OutFront Minnesota, who can connect you to resources or talk through options regarding your current situation, please call us at 612.822.0127 option 3.

    The helpline is answered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you don't get through, a call will be returned to you within 24 hours (with varying responses on the weekends). If you are in a crisis and need an immediate response, please contact the following:

    • For calls regarding domestic/intimate partner violence (more shelter) — Day One | 1.866.223.1111
    • For calls regarding sexual violence — Sexual Violence Center | 612.871.5111
    • For calls regarding Transgender support — Trans Lifeline | 877.565.8860
    • For callers who identify as LGBTQ youth — The Trevor Project | 1.866.488.7386
    • For all other calls regarding general support/mental health support — NAMI | 800.950.6264

    Support & Counseling Directory

    Metro

    Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP)

    Midwest organization empowering the bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer, and unlabeled (Bi+) community

    Metro

    Center for Grief and Loss

    The Center's many programs include therapy groups for gay men and others who have experienced loss

    Metro

    Center for Sexual Health (University of Minnesota)

    Counseling services on sexuality and gender identity, including gender confirmation surgery

    Metro

    City of Lakes Crossgender Community

    Trans* support group and social organization

    Metro

    Face to Face

    A nonprofit organization dedicated to the needs of youth ages 11-24 that offers health care, counseling, and programs for homeless youth

    Metro

    Family Tree Clinic

    A nonprofit clinic committed to improving the health of LGBTQ individuals through affordable, respectful sexual health care and education

    National

    FORGE

    List of over 600 trans* therapists; call or email to check their database for a therapist in your state/area

    Statewide

    JustUs Behavioral Health Clinic

    Help Helps! We offer mental, chemical, and sexual health services for LGBTQIA+ people, people living with HIV, and folks from communities that historically and currently face barriers to behavioral health support.

    Phone: 612-373-9160

    Statewide

    LGBT Therapists

    Network of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit, and asexual affirming mental health and social service workers and their allies in Minnesota

    Metro

    Minnesota Asexuals

    Social and advocacy group for asexual Minnesotans

    Metro

    Minnesota Transgender Alliance

    Group for trans people that discusses topics and resources

    Metro

    Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition

    Focusing upon Trans health issues in the local community

    Metro

    NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Minnesota

    Provides LGBTQ support groups and counseling

    Metro

    Northland Therapy Center

    Counseling agency with LGBTQ specialization

    National

    Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

    National organization of allies of the LGBTQ community

    Metro

    Pride Institute

    Providing in- and out-patient treatment for LGBT individuals

    Metro

    Prime Timers

    Social group for gay and bisexual men over 50

    Central MN

    Prism Mental Health, LLC

    LGBTQ specific counseling in Central Minnesota

    Metro

    RECLAIM

    Provides counseling services and support groups for LGBT-identified youth ages 13-25 who are seeking therapeutic support related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression

    Metro

    Red Door Clinic

    STD & HIV testing and sexual health services

    Statewide

    Rural AIDS Action Network

    Statewide Organization providing AIDS prevention, testing and care services for Minnesotans in rural areas

    National

    Sage Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders

    National organization that offers supportive services and resources to LGBT older adults and their caregivers and advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBT older people

    Metro

    Sexual Violence Center

    Crisis counseling addressing sexual assault; LGBTQ sensitive services

    Metro

    So What If I Am?

    Drop-in group for youth ages 10-17, providing support for people at all stages of coming out

    Metro

    The Aliveness Project

    Meals, Food Shelf, Therapy, Counseling, and Care Advocacy for people affected by HIV/AIDs

    Metro

    The Bridge for Youth

    Crisis intervention and shelter for runaway youth, including LGBTQ sensitive services

    National

    The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection

    Develop and expand understanding of human sexuality, gender identity and the need for equal treatment

    Metro

    The Family Partnership

    Counseling, education, and advocacy to support children, families, and communities in need and empower them to solve their own problems

    National

    The Trevor Project

    Crisis line and counseling for LGBTQ youth

    National

    Trans Lifeline

    A hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people

    Metro

    Transforming Families

    A peer support group aimed towards trans* and gender nonconforming youth and their families in Minnesota

    Metro

    Tri-ESS

    Group of heterosexual / dual-gendered cross dressers and their families that has monthly meetings and other activities which serve to offer peer support, education, outreach and a safe social atmosphere

    Metro

    Tubman Center

    Provides safe shelter, legal services, mental and chemical health counseling, elder abuse resources, youth programming and community education, including public information campaigns to provide community members the information and support they need to get help or give help

    Metro

    Twin Cities Men's Project

    Support groups for men, including meetings focused on gay and bisexual issues

    National

    WestBridge

    Specializes in the treatment of co-occurring substance abuse disorders for men

    Bringing Same-Sex Domestic & Partner Violence to Light

    OutFront Minnesota is proud to have been at the forefront of same-sex domestic abuse intervention for years. We are truly one of the national leaders in bringing this issue to light. We offer direct services to victims of domestic violence and offer trainings concerning same-sex domestic abuse to domestic violence service providers.

    At Equal Risk

    Statistically, gay and lesbian people experience domestic abuse at about the same rate as the rest of society. Abuse can take many physical and psychological forms and tends to thoroughly demoralize the victim. If you are being abused by a partner, there is help!

    How Our Staff Can Help 

    OutFront Minnesota has trained domestic abuse staff who can help you file for protective orders, provide supportive counseling regarding your situation, referrals to domestic violence shelters and other safe places in the community. We also provide safety planning and short-term crisis counseling for both domestic violence victims and their concerned families or loved ones. OutFront Minnesota provides victim-related services and will provide referrals, but not direct services, for those seeking help with their own abusive behavior.

    Help is Available

    If you would like to speak with a trained LGBTQ Anti-Violence Program advocate at OutFront Minnesota, who can connect you to resources or talk through options regarding your current situation, please call us at 612.822.0127 option 3. A call will be returned to you within 24 hours (with varying responses on the weekends). If you are in a crisis and need an immediate response, please contact the following:

    • For calls regarding domestic/intimate partner violence (more shelter) — Day One | 1.866.223.1111
    • For calls regarding sexual violence — Sexual Violence Center | 612.871.5111
    • For calls regarding Transgender support — Trans Lifeline | 877.565.8860
    • For callers who identify as LGBTQ youth — The Trevor Project | 1.866.488.7386
    • For all other calls regarding general support/mental health support — NAMI | 800.950.6264

    Directory of Organizations That Provide Shelter

    Metro

    Adult Shelter Connect

    For those who are seeking shelter in Hennepin County

    Metro

    Avenues for Homeless Youth

    Provides safe and nurturing emergency shelter, short term housing, and support services for homeless youth; also coordinates an LGBTQ host home program (ext. 110)

    Metro

    Clare Housing

    Shelter, services, and compassionate care to persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Twin Cities

    Metro

    Coordinated Access to Housing and Shelter (CAHS)

    Families in Ramsey County who are sleeping in a place not meant for human habilitation (streets, car, camping, public transit, etc.) or staying at a domestic violence shelter and are looking for supportive housing can call

    Metro

    Face to Face

    A nonprofit organization dedicated to the needs of youth ages 11-24 that offers health care, counseling, and programs for homeless youth

    Statewide

    Homeless Shelter Directory

    A complete list of Minnesota Shelters

    Statewide

    Minnesota Department of Human Services

    Youth in any county can call the Homeless Youth Coordinator

    Metro

    Safe House

    Emergency shelter for youth ages 16-20 years old in Ramsey County

    Metro

    SafeZone

    A drop-in center for homeless youth ages 14–24 in Ramsey County

    Metro

    The Bridge for Youth

    Crisis intervention and shelter for runaway youth, including LGBTQ sensitive services

    Metro

    Youth Services Network

    Links youth to shelter, drop in centers, food, medical care, a crisis line, and more in Hennepin County

    OutFront Minnesota's Anti-Violence Program has focused on sexual violence in all its forms for decades. If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment or violence in the workplace or in any environment, contact us. We can help. 

    Help is Available

    If you would like to speak with a trained LGBTQ Anti-Violence Program advocate at OutFront Minnesota, who can connect you to resources or talk through options regarding your current situation, please call us at 612.822.0127 option 3. A call will be returned to you within 24 hours (with varying responses on the weekends). If you are in a crisis and need an immediate response, please contact the following:

    • For calls regarding domestic/intimate partner violence (more shelter) — Day One | 1.866.223.1111
    • For calls regarding sexual violence — Sexual Violence Center | 612.871.5111
    • For calls regarding Transgender support — Trans Lifeline | 877.565.8860
    • For callers who identify as LGBTQ youth — The Trevor Project | 1.866.488.7386
    • For all other calls regarding general support/mental health support — NAMI | 800.950.6264

    Hate or Bias-Motivated Violence 

    An umbrella term for any act or expression directed against a person, group or their property that is motivated in whole or in part by a belief or perception regarding their real or perceived identities. Root causes include a rigid adherence to oppressive norms and ideologies that are propagated and reinforced by individuals, social systems and public institutions. Hate violence may be intended to threaten, coerce and/or punish all members (or perceived members) of a group.

    3 main Components of Bias-Motivated Violence

    1. The perpetrator’s perception of the victim’s identity and their bias or prejudice against that identity
    2. The desire to target the victim based upon that perception
    3. The belief, at least in part, that the act is socially acceptable or sanctioned

    Hate Crime

    A criminal act that involves one (or more) of three specific crime groupings (assault, property damage and harassment/stalking), that is directed toward an individual or group that is (or perceived to be) a member of a protected class as defined by the Minnesota Human Rights Act and is motivated by a offender bias.

    Bias Incident

    A bias incident is any expression whether spoken, written, symbolic or other form, which is motivated by some form of prejudice based on the victim’s real or perceived identity (i.e. sexual orientation, race, gender identity, ability, etc.)

    Often, when a particular marginalized group is experiencing increased community visibility (especially when publicly highlighting oppressive or inequitable situations or events), that group will experience an increase in bias-related violent incidents. Unfortunately, with an increase in potentially divisive conversations that challenge existing social power dynamics, these attacks can occur with more brutality or a sense of social acceptance on the part of the perpetrators.

    OutFront Minnesota’s Anti-Violence Program is dedicated to eliminating hate violence, sexual violence, and intimate partner violence/domestic violence within and against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer-identified (LGBTQ) communities across Minnesota. We complete this work through free and confidential counseling, advocacy, community organizing and education services. We use a community based advocacy approach to empower survivors and communities to feel safer and stronger.

    Help is Available

    If you would like to speak with a trained LGBTQ Anti-Violence Program advocate at OutFront Minnesota, who can connect you to resources or talk through options regarding your current situation, please call us at 612.822.0127 option 3. A call will be returned to you within 24 hours (with varying responses on the weekends). If you are in a crisis and need an immediate response, please contact the following:

    • For calls regarding domestic/intimate partner violence (more shelter) — Day One | 1.866.223.1111
    • For calls regarding sexual violence — Sexual Violence Center | 612.871.5111
    • For calls regarding Transgender support — Trans Lifeline | 877.565.8860
    • For callers who identify as LGBTQ youth — The Trevor Project | 1.866.488.7386
    • For all other calls regarding general support/mental health support — NAMI | 800.950.6264

    Pro Bono

    50 South Sixth Street Suite 1500 Minneapolis, MN 55402-1498­
    Phone: 612-340-2600

    Website strongly advertises that they fight for LGBTQ people

    Free phone advice on some legal issues is available for all, additional help available for some income-qualified clients with Volunteer Lawyers Network.

    Family Law & Divorce

    14550 Excelsior Boulevard Suite 206 Minnetonka, MN 55345
    Phone: 952-938-3411

    Tera Lungstrom does mediation
     

    401 Groveland Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403
    Phone: 612-217-2137

    Their primary focus is adoptions and John Buchholz is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    222 South Ninth Street Suite 1600 Minneapolis, MN 55402
    Phone: 612-208-7926

    Jonathan M. Burris bills himself as a gay rights attorney

    310 South 4th Avenue, Ste. 5010, Minneapolis, MN 55415
    Phone: 612-470-0529

    Cresston Gackle is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    11100 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 211 Minnetonka, MN 55305
    Phone: 612-238-3031

    LGBTQ divorce is an area of practice that they advertise, so LGBTQ-friendly

    3200 Main St NW – Suite 370 Coon Rapids, MN 55448
    Phone: 763-427-5131

    They advertise their LGBTQ-friendliness with a big rainbow flag on their homepage

    One West Water Street Suite 275 Saint Paul, MN 55107
    Phone: 651-641-1679

    Katherine is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association and particularly interested in working with LGBTQ+ client

    6499 Sycamore Court, Maple Grove, MN 55369
    Phone: 763-575-7930

    Susan Mundahl is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association and LGBTQ+ family law is a specialty

    1380 Corporate Center Curve #320 Eagan, MN 55121
    Phone: 651-968-8340

    LGBTQ+ rights is listed as a practice area

    Minneapolis: 333 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    Bloomington: 3800 American Blvd W #1500, Bloomington, MN 55431
    Minnetonka: 12800 Whitewater Dr suite 100, Minnetonka, MN 55343
    Phone: 952-260-2043

    This firm advertises themselves as “gay-owned and operated” and “a proud and vocal supporter of Minnesota’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community.”

    Civil Rights & Police Misconduct

    310 4th Avenue South Suite 5010 Minneapolis, MN 55415
    Phone: 612-217-4988 / 877-390-4527

    Their website says that they handle employment and civil rights claims for trans people

    323 Washington Ave. N T3 Building, Suite #200 Minneapolis, MN 55401
    Phone: 612-349-2729

    They talk about sexual orientation discrimination cases on their website & Joshua Newville is a member of the MN Lavendar Bar Association

    800 LaSalle Avenue Suite 2800 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
    Phone: 612-349-8500

    This firm has partnered with OutFront in the past to offer transgender name change clinics

    310 4th Ave. S., Ste. 5010, Minneapolis, MN 55415
    Phone: 612-399-6787

    Matthew Streff is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    Health Care

    800 LaSalle Avenue Suite 2800 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
    Phone: 612-349-8500

    Medical malpractice is an area of practice and this firm has partnered with OutFront in the past to offer transgender name change clinics

    Employment & Discrimination

    700 Central Ave NE Suite 203, Minneapolis, MN 55414
    Phone: 612-722-4300

    F. Chet Taylor is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    100 S 5th St, Suite 1200 Minneapolis, MN 55402
    Phone: 612-252-3570

    Sexual orientation discrimination is a practice area

    310 Fourth Avenue South Suite 5010 Minneapolis, MN 55415
    Phone: 612-206-3773

    Jean Brandl is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    966 Nine Mile Cove East Hopkins, MN 55343
    Phone: 952-544-7774

    Sexual orientation discrimination is a practice area

    11100 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 211 Minnetonka, MN 55305
    Phone: 612-238-3031

    Workers’ Compensation is a practice area and LGBTQ+ divorce is an area of practice that they advertise

    310 4th Avenue South Suite 5010 Minneapolis, MN 55415
    Phone: 612-217-4988 / 877-390-4527

    Their website says that they handle employment and civil rights claims for trans people

    323 Washington Ave. N T3 Building, Suite #200 Minneapolis, MN 55401
    Phone: 612-349-2729

    They talk about sexual orientation discrimination cases on their website & Joshua Newville is a member of the MN Lavender Bar Association

    412 S 4th St Suite 1050 Minneapolis, MN 55415
    Phone: 612-294-2600

    LGBTQ+ workplace discrimination is listed as a focus on their website

    1380 Corporate Center Curve #320 Eagan, MN 55121
    Phone: 651-968-8340

    Deal with Federal Workers’ Compensation and LGBTQ+ rights is listed as a practice area

    Injury

    11100 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 211 Minnetonka, MN 55305
    Phone: 612-238-3031

    LGBTQ+ divorce is an area of practice that they advertise

    800 LaSalle Avenue Suite 2800 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
    Phone: 612-349-8500

    This firm has partnered with OutFront in the past to offer transgender name change clinics

    Immigration

    The Medical Arts Building 825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 623 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-2612
    Phone: 612-724-4860

    1322 Webster St, Suite 300 Oakland, CA 94612-3218
    Phone: 415-233-7001

    1624 Harmon Place, Suite 300-C, Minneapolis, MN 55403
    Phone: 612-750-7188

    303 East 17th Avenue Suite 585 Denver, Colorado 80203
    Phone: 303-371-1822

    369 Pine Street, Suite 725 San Francisco, CA 94104
    Phone: 415-362-8602

    909 Montgomery Street, Suite 200 San Francisco, CA 94133
    Phone: 415-781-1001

    55-21 69th St. 2nd Floor, Maspeth, NY 11378
    Phone: 888-502-8461

    870 Market Street, Suite 370 San Francisco, CA 94102
    Phone: 415-392-6257

    310 4th Ave. S., Ste. 5010, Minneapolis, MN 55415
    Phone: 612-399-6787

    Matthew Streff is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    1836 Westlake Ave N. Suite 302 Seattle, WA 98109
    Phone: 206-724-1940

    Name & Gender Change

    One West Water Street Suite 275 Saint Paul, MN 55107
    Phone: 651-253-0906

    Katherine is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association and particularly interested in working with LGBTQ+ clients

    Wills & Estate

    7362 University Avenue NE Ste 120 Fridley, MN 55432
    Phone: 763-220-2983

    This attorney advertises herself as an LGBTQ+ advocate

    222 South Ninth Street Suite 1600 Minneapolis, MN 55402
    Phone: 612-208-7926

    Jonathan M. Burris bills himself as a gay rights attorney
     

    3200 Main St NW – Suite 370 Coon Rapids, MN 55448
    Phone: 763-427-5131

    They advertise their LGBTQ+-friendliness with a big rainbow flag on their homepage

    One West Water Street Suite 275 Saint Paul, MN 55107
    Phone: 651-641-1679 

    Katherine is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association and particularly interested in working with LGBTQ+ clients

    6499 Sycamore Court, Maple Grove, MN 55369
    Phone: 763-575-7930

    Susan Mundahl is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    1380 Corporate Center Curve #320 Eagan, MN 55121
    Phone: 651-968-8340

    LGBTQ+ rights is listed as a practice area

    Minneapolis: 333 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    Bloomington: 3800 American Blvd W #1500, Bloomington, MN 55431
    Minnetonka: 12800 Whitewater Dr suite 100, Minnetonka, MN 55343
    Phone: 952-260-2043

    This firm advertises themselves as “gay-owned and operated” and “a proud and vocal supporter of Minnesota’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community.”

    Trial & Criminal Defense

    310 Fourth Avenue South Suite 5010 Minneapolis, MN 55415
    Phone: 612-206-3773

    Jean Brandl is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    200 South Sixth Street Suite 4000 Minneapolis, MN 55402-1425
    Phone: 612-492-7000

    Lousene Hoppe is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    10 South 5th Street, Suite 1005 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
    Phone: 612-275-0169

    Kelli A. Gaborsky is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    323 Washington Ave. N T3 Building, Suite #200 Minneapolis, MN 55401
    Phone: 612-349-2729

    They talk about sexual orientation discrimination cases on their website & Joshua Newville is a member of the MN Lavendar Bar Association

    1380 Corporate Center Curve #320 Eagan, MN 55121
    Phone: 651-968-8340

    LGBTQ+ rights is listed as a practice area

    310 4th Ave. S., Ste. 5010, Minneapolis, MN 55415
    Phone: 612-399-6787

    Matthew Streff is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    Real Estate

    222 South Ninth Street Suite 1600 Minneapolis, MN 55402
    Phone: 612-208-7926

    Jonathan M. Burris bills himself as a gay rights attorney

    3200 Main St NW – Suite 370 Coon Rapids, MN 55448
    Phone: 763-427-5131

    They advertise their LGBTQ+-friendliness with a big rainbow flag on their homepage

    1380 Corporate Center Curve #320 Eagan, MN 55121
    Phone: 651-968-8340

    LGBTQ+ rights is listed as a practice area

    Small Business Law

    1380 Corporate Center Curve #320 Eagan, MN 55121
    Phone: 651-968-8340

    LGBTQ+ rights is listed as a practice area

    Intellectual Property

    7362 University Avenue NE Ste 120 Fridley, MN 55432
    Phone: 763-220-2983

    This attorney advertises herself as an LGBTQ+ advocate

    Sexual Misconduct

    800 LaSalle Avenue Suite 2800 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
    Phone: 612-349-8500

     

    This firm has partnered with OutFront in the past to offer transgender name change clinics and childhood sexual abuse litigation is an area of practice

    Elder Financial Abuse

    700 Central Ave NE Suite 203, Minneapolis, MN 55414
    Phone: 612-722-4300

    F. Chet Taylor is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

    Domestic Abuse & Orders For Protection

    14550 Excelsior Boulevard Suite 206 Minnetonka, MN 55345
    Phone: 952-938-3411

    Juvenile Law

    310 Fourth Avenue South Suite 5010 Minneapolis, MN 55415
    Phone: 612-206-3773

    Jean Brandl is a member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association