CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY BASH
Our annual Birthday Bash gathers our community to celebrate our mission and the milestones we've achieved together.
Our vision is for all 2SLGBTQIA + youth to have a network of support to help them develop a strong sense of pride in who they are, where they come from, and where they want to go. Your participation in our Birthday Bash can help us realize this dream!
Help us grow our impact to serve even more 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and families across the Midwest -see 2025 highlights and get involved below.
'25 Birthday Bash at a Glance
Folx danced, bid, and built community - and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate our 4th birthday on April 19, 2025! Thanks to generous support, we raised $50,000 to support our programs for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
From the beats of DJ Shannon Blowtorch and youth DJ Alastor, to the showstopping moves of Lady C, to the powerful stories shared by our youth, staff, board, and community leaders - it was a powerful embodiment of everything we've done to create safe, affirming spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ youth can be unapologetically themselves.
We were excited to announce the incredible honorees for our 2025 Birthday Bash Awards! These two inspiring leaders have gone above and beyond in their dedication to our Queer community - read on to learn about them both below.
Inaugural Andrea Jenkins Legacy Award: Andrea Jenkins
We couldn’t think of anyone more fitting to receive the first-ever award in her name than Andrea Jenkins herself. Andrea (she/her) is a trailblazer - the first Black Transgender woman elected to public office in the U.S. Andrea is a nationally and internationally recognized writer and artist, and current representative for Ward 8 on the Minneapolis City Council. Her fierce advocacy for Trans youth, especially Black Trans youth, has been nothing short of transformational. Andrea has dedicated her life to public service, storytelling, and advocacy, and continues to light the way for so many, reminding us all what bold, authentic leadership can look like.
LGBTQ+ Youth Champion Award: John Sullivan
John Sullivan (he/him) has been a tireless advocate and changemaker in the LGBTQIA+ community for decades. John has provided leadership and support to such an extensive range of nonprofit organizations that it's difficult to name them all. His influence has reached countless LGBTQIA+ organization in Minnesota and many more across the country (Matthew Shepard Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation, HRC Business Council, OutFront Minnesota...the list goes on and on!) Including his steadfast support of QUEERSPACE since its inception - John’s contributions have been truly transformative. We’re honored to recognize his unwavering commitment and legacy with this award.
Thank you, Andrea and John, for your extraordinary leadership, compassion, and vision. Your work shapes our community and inspires all of us to keep showing up for each other.
2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Center Impact Video
ICYMI or want to watch it again, check out our QUEERSPACE Youth Center Video below that premiered at the Birthday Bash, showcasing the impact this space has had on 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Got questions or want to get involved with Birthday Bash?
Feel free to contact Dustin, our Development & Communications Director, at dustin@queerspacecollective.org!