A FUNDRAISER CELEBRATING 30 YEARS
of “So What If I Am?” – A safe place for all LGBTQ+ youth
Celebrate & Amplify LGBTQ+ Youth Voice
Join us as we amplify LGBTQ+ youth voice and inclusivity at commUNITY LGBTQ+ Celebration, a fundraiser celebrating 30 years of “So What If I Am?”- A safe place for all LGBTQ+ youth. On Tuesday, October 24th, at the Historic Watson Block Event Center, we’ll come together to share support for our vision that all youth feel safe, accepted, and supported.
Get your tickets and join us for an evening of community connectedness, engagement, and joy. Together, we will amplify, elevate, and inspire action through LGBTQ+ youth voice.
You’re Invited!
Date: Tuesday, October 24th | 5pm-7pm
Location: Historic Watson Block Event Center
Address: 256 N. 1st Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Tickets: $45/ticket or $345/table for eight
Light refreshments provided. Cash bar and valet parking available.
Announcing Our Special Guests for the Evening
Nina DiAngelo
The Bridge is excited to welcome back Nina DiAngelo as our MC for the evening. Originally from the East Coast, Nina has spent most of her professional career in Minneapolis. With over 25 years in the industry, last year Nina took on her biggest project yet and opened Roxy’s Cabaret, a state-of-the-art performance venue in downtown Minneapolis.
Instagram: @ninadiangelo
Facebook: @ninadiangelo
Website: roxyscabaret.com
Nova
Nova (they/them) is a member of So What If I Am?, a group where Nova found community and support among other youth who identify as LGBTQ+. Nova joined SWIIA? after learning about it while living at Rita’s House, a supportive housing program and intentional living community at The Bridge. Now, Nova lives in safe and stable housing with their partner and their two cats.
Senator Scott Dibble
Scott Dibble first became involved in politics in the mid-1980s focusing on issues concerning the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community including policies affecting those with HIV and AIDS. His involvement led to organizing on issues of social and economic justice — especially in the areas of neighborhood livability, transportation, housing, energy, and the environment. He later worked as an aide to Minneapolis City Council Member Doré Mead for six years. Dibble ran for and won, a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2000, becoming the third openly gay legislator to serve in the Minnesota Legislature. After serving one term in the House, Dibble ran for State Senate in 2002 where he is now serving in his fifth term. Sen. Dibble continues to be a leader in the Minnesota Senate on legislation relating to transportation and transit, energy efficiency, the environment, housing, and economic development.
Robert Kraemer
Robert (He/Him/His) was embarking on his coming out journey as a senior in high school back in 1995 when two English teachers helped him and two classmates locate The Bridge for Youth and So What if I Am? A spring and summer of weekly trips to Minneapolis offered much-needed refuge from rural seclusion, and were instrumental in instilling self-acceptance and confidence as he came out to his family and went off to college. At SCSU, Robert furthered his community involvement by joining the LGBT Speakers Bureau and used his voice to write op-ed pieces for the University Chronicle. Throughout the years, Robert’s restaurant career in the Twin Cities kept him connected in various ways to those close to BFY, and he has been able to share his story both in video and as a guest speaker at previous fundraising galas for The Bridge. In 2022, Robert accepted a position on the Board of Directors and serves on the Engagement & Development Committee, where he enjoys advocating for the services offered by BFY and connecting the organization with the surrounding community. He currently manages a coworking space in Downtown Minneapolis for Life Time, and has embarked on a new career as a realtor, with a desire to help all people realize homeownership and personal wealth.
Become a 2023 event sponsor:
Thank you to our 2024 event sponsors:
Mears Family
