LGBT History month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.
LGBTQ+ Youth are invited to join So What If I Am, as we recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ innovators, curators and activists. Hosted Tuesday nights The Bridge (virtually for the time being), So What if I Am is the longest running weekly LGBTQ+ support group in the Twin Cities and provides emotional support & leadership development for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing family rejection/conflict, bullying and/or emotional distress. To learn more contact War Miner.
LGBTQ+ Youth at Greater Risk for Homelessness
According to a recent study from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than non-LGBTQ youth. Here in Minnesota, nearly 23% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+ according to the latest Minnesota Homeless Study from Wilder Research Foundation. Annually, at The Bridge 17% of youth identify as LGBTQ+.
SAVE THE DATE!
Give to the Max Day is November 19th
For fifty years The Bridge has been a safe and welcoming place for youth in the Twin Cities who have no one to turn to, and nowhere to go. But we need your help. Join us on Give to the Max Day, and help The Bridge raise $20,000. Homeless youth need your help more now than ever.
We are looking for the generosity of the community to create a matching gift fund so we can double our impact this year. Contact Tim Mercure and become a matched donor today.
Share your Story! Help us celebrate 50 years!
If you are a former youth, parent, employee, or community supporter we want to hear from you! Submit (via email) a 20-second video sharing your connection to The Bridge, and end by saying "I am a Face of 50" and you could be featured in the December Faces of 50 video. Please contact Sagal Hussein with questions or to learn more.
The holidays are coming, spread some holiday cheer for homeless youth!
Help bring some holiday cheer to youth this holiday season! Sign up to be a holiday helper and purchase items off holiday wish lists from the youth, host a gift drive, or adopt a program this holiday season. If you or your volunteer group would like to participate, please contact Sagal Hussein with questions or to learn more.
2020 Marks the 50th Anniversary of The Bridge for Youth!
To celebrate this anniversary, every month throughout the year we will highlight Faces of 50, recognizing some of the thousands of individuals who were impacted by The Bridge and who have contributed to our efforts to serve homeless and runaway youth.
This month Faces of 50 features Keyonna, a youth at Rita’s House. Keyonna currently works full time while studying for a career in Real Estate. She is getting ready to move into her first apartment this fall. We are proud of Keyonna’s perseverance and accomplishments!
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