Lobbying

OutFront Minnesota's lobbyists work with legislators to address issues of inequality in state law concerning LGBTQ Minnesotans and to make certain bills under consideration are not harmful to the community. Coordinating efforts with other lobbyists working at the Capitol, OutFront Minnesota ensures that LGBTQ Minnesotans have a voice in the Legislature’s deliberations.

As the leading LGBTQ organizing and lobbying organization in Minnesota, we help write and develop policy — in coordination with lawmakers — based on the experiences and concerns of our members. We know that direct, grassroots lobbying has the power to create a better and more inclusive Minnesota.

One important way in which LGBTQ Minnesotans have a voice at the Legislature is through our annual Lobby Day for LGBTQ Equity, at which constituents from across Minnesota come to the Capitol to meet with their representatives. Through face-to-face, grassroots lobbying, LGBTQ and other fair-minded Minnesotans are able to participate directly in the legislative process.

Organizing

One of our most important activities at OutFront Minnesota is fostering an informed voting community. Through conducting voter registration & voter pledge campaigns, surveying candidates for public office, pre-election phone-banking, holding voter rallies, and publishing voter guides, OutFront Minnesota has encouraged high levels of voter turn out amongst the LGBTQ and allied communities in recent elections.

OutFront’s Religious Organizer works with faith organizations and congregations around the state to bring them along in the advocacy and inclusion of queer people in all faith practices. Clergy and people of faith are uniquely positioned to change the hearts and minds of decision-makers and citizen across our state and beyond. This happens through showing up at pivotal moments, speaking truth to power, and sharing our stories. 

Storytelling For Change

We know when people share their own stories it has the power to change hearts and minds. Stories connect us in meaningful ways, make us feel less alone in the world, and build a greater understanding of others. This is especially true for Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ community. 

Telling our stories in a society that silences queer voices is an act of survival and defiance. Our stories are powerful tools that help us create systemic change in the world.

In 2013, Minnesota was the first state to pass marriage equality by way of ballot. A feat that only happened through powerful storytelling. Our fight for queer equity is not over and our need for queer stories is still necessary. 

Your stories are powerful tools in helping all of Minnesota become a state where queer people are free to be who they are, love who they love, and live without fear of violence, harassment, or discrimination.

Stories For Action

As we near this year's pivotal election, we are launching Storytelling for Change with four LGBTQ+ Minnesotans working to change hearts and minds. Throughout September, we will be debuting the videos one week at a time. 

OutFront is honored to have Dylan Kaercher, Nikki Graf, John, and Rev. Jia Starr Brown share their stories of faith, policy change, advocacy, and joy. 
 

 

Nikki: Fighting for Family

 

 

Nikki Graf has been fighting to pass Logan's Law, which would remove barriers for same-sex couples when starting a family in Minnesota.  

 

John: Reframing Disability and the Queer Community

 

John is one of the nearly 600,000 Minnesotans living with a disability. He is one of the estimated 210,000 LGBTQ+ people in the state. The intersection of those two identities make John one of the estimated 3 to 5 million LGBTQ+ people living with a disability in the U.S.

 

Roxi Manacoochi: A Star on the Stage and in the Pew

 

Whether at the fair or in the pew, Dylan Kearcher’s presence is one you won’t miss. You might catch his infectious laugh from across the room or connect with the sheer confidence that oozes out of him. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness Dylan doing what makes him feel most alive — performing as Roxi Manacoochi.