Together, We Created This Space

We’re overjoyed to share that after 6+ months of hard work and community love, we’ve officially reached our $650,000 goal for the Create The Space campaign!

Thanks to the support of friends like you, QUEERSPACE collective has successfully reached our Create The Space Campaign goal of $650,000 to open a 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Center in the heart of Minneapolis!

What started as an ambitious dream - creating a much-needed space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in the Twin Cities - has now become a reality. For the first time since District 202 closed in 2009, our city has a dedicated space where Queer youth can build community, find mentorship, and celebrate who they are.

From scouting spaces to securing funding to assembling furniture, this journey has been one of transformation, resilience, and joy.

There are so many hands, hearts, and brains to thank for making this incredible feat possible. To everyone who donated, cheered us on, and answered one of our many emails and calls (you know the ones), THANK YOU. Your support, especially in today’s challenging sociopolitical climate, has made this dream a reality.

And the work doesn’t stop here! In 2025, we’re rolling out even more responsive programming, resources, and opportunities to uplift Queer youth. This is just the beginning, and we’re so grateful to have you along for the ride.

If you know of a young Queer person who could benefit from this safe, affirming space, please share our Youth Center page with them. Let them know they have a community here that cares about them and believes in them.

Watch this video of our 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Center Grand Opening

Why This Matters

Across the country, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth face immense challenges. A staggering 85% of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth experience harassment at school, and The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-24 seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. - and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.

2SLGBTQIA+ youth are some of the most vulnerable in our society and deserve better. Here in the Twin Cities, the lack of a dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ youth center leaves many without access to resources that support their well-being and growth.

But, there is hope. In October 2024, we opened Minnesota's newest and much needed 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Center in the heart of Minneapolis, accessible from main highways and transit. This new center will offer a safe, inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to find community, mentorship, and resources - helping them build pride in who they are, where they come from, and where they want to go!

The Create The Space Campaign aimed to raise $650,000 to build and equip this vital space and cover its first year of operations, ensuring a sustainable foundation for the future and enabling us to deliver our responsive programming to more young people across the metro and beyond.

With your help, we created this space where 2SLGBTQIA+ youth can feel safe, seen, and supported. Together, we made this center a beacon of hope and belonging for generations to come.