The Hook & Ladder Theater is proud to present ‘Concert for Cobalt’
With NUR-D, Doll Chaser, Zora, Wet Denim, & Ghosting Merit
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
July 17, 2024
The Hook & Ladder Theater is proud to present ‘Concert for Cobalt’ with an exceptional fundraiser packed with talented artists in support of one of our own. Come out on July 21 to support Cobalt, the child of The Hook’s own bar manager, Mark Walztoni and catch an amazing lineup that includes NUR-D, Doll Chaser, ZORA, Wet Denim, and Ghosting Merit! Sliding scale tickets available now.
Cobalt Sovereign, a trans high-school Junior at Hopkins high-school, was viciously attacked on school property on Thursday, May 30th resulting in serious injuries requiring several surgeries and extensive dental work. Please join us as we gather to support and celebrate Cobalt in their healing journey.
Sunday July 21, 2024
The Hook and Ladder Theater
Doors: 3pm :: Music: 3:30pm
All Ages
**Give What You Can Ticket Pricing **
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show Returns!
December 11 - Pantages Theatre
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
July 17, 2024
Directed & produced by BenDeLaCreme, the award-winning musical comedy returns for its 7th year with a brand new show touring 33 North American cities this November - December
The greatest holiday show on Earth returns with another all-new production! Award-winning comedy icons, writers, actors and RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni BenDeLaCreme (she/her) and Jinkx Monsoon (she/her) are coming back to town with their wildly successful, internationally acclaimed, The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show (BenDeLaCreme Presents). Directed and produced by BenDeLaCreme, the 33-city tour will play 38 shows across the U.S. and Canada from November 7 - December 29 in major theaters. This follows last year’s historic 30-city run where the reigning “queens of Christmas” (Entertainment Weekly) sold out LA's Dolby Theatre, NYC’s Kings Theatre and the London Palladium.
December 11 - Minneapolis, MN (Pantages Theatre)
2024 DisabiliTease
Dance Festival for Disabled Performers
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
June 19, 2024
The 2024 Hybrid DisabiliTease Festival will take place July 19-21!
The DisabiliTease Festival is a multi-day festival that showcases performers with disabilities in the areas of burlesque, cirque, cabaret, and drag. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the DisabiliTease Festival highlights performers not only from the Twin Cities, but across the United States and around the globe.
Launched in 2019, with the first virtual show in 2020, the festival offers validation and recognition to performers who are often overlooked, underestimated, or deemed too difficult to book due to necessary accommodations. In addition to virtual shows, in-person events will be live-streamed to continue to connect with performers and audiences worldwide. This provides an inclusive experience for performers and audience members who may otherwise encounter barriers to such events.
This festival challenges and overturns the notion that having a disability decreases or interferes with a person’s desirability, allure, or competence as a performer. We strive to provide a safe space for artistic expression, performance, and training opportunities.
The DisabiliTease Festival highlights marginalized and underrepresented populations, providing not only a performance platform but also community connection around the world. Our goal is to include a wide variety of performers at the intersection of disability with a variety of genders, ages, sizes, abilities, races and ethnicities, locations, beliefs, and sexual orientations, whenever possible.
Who are the producers of the festival?
The producers are Minda Mae from Minneapolis, Lakota Shekhar from Cleveland, Ohio, and Scarlett Tart from Denver, Colorado, who joined our team this year.
What can people expect at the show?
These shows are a celebration of disabled bodies and the art they create. You’ll see burlesque, drag, cirque, and cabaret performances. The Festival strives to provide a safe and inclusive environment for disabled performers to express themselves and receive the recognition and validation they deserve.
The Friday, July 19 show will be at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis. The Saturday, July 20th show is virtual and includes performers from around the world. There will be three workshops on Sunday, July 21. All events will also be available online and will have live captioning. The Friday and Saturday shows will also have an ASL interpreter.
The Festival has also taken steps to make this a COVID-safe weekend. We want this to be a fun celebration while keeping accessibility in mind for our performers and audience members.
Who is your inspiration?
I have quite a few, but my biggest is Jacqueline Boxx. She was the first performer I had heard of who dances in a wheelchair. This gave me hope that just because I started using a wheelchair early in my career, I could still dance. A wheelchair wasn’t going to stop me—it was something that supported me and helped me create moves and shapes that folks who are able-bodied can’t! She is also a fantastic educator and advocate for disabled bodies on stage.
How long has this show been going on?
My dream started in 2019, with the plan to host our first show in July 2020. I realized that the reason you didn’t see many disabled bodies on stage was that some of us literally couldn’t get on them! Also, many performers felt the need to hide their disabilities in order to be booked. I wanted to create an accessible event for other disabled performers so they didn’t have to worry about accessibility. They could just have the opportunity to shine.
Due to COVID-19, we put together a virtual show with performers from around the world. This show gave us the opportunity to include not only local performers but also performers from around the world. In addition to that show, we had virtual shows in 2021 and 2022. We’re excited that this is the first year that we have an in-person portion of our festival! It’s my dream come true. It just took 5 years to get here.
Is there a VIP experience?
There is a row of VIP seats in the front row of the theater. Those audience members are able to choose from one of our stickers or buttons to show their support!
Are there beverages available?
Concessions will be open. However, it is an alcohol-free event.
How do folks get tickets?
Our Friday show will be in person at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The show will be live-streamed on Zoom so that folks can watch from around the world. Our Saturday show will be completely virtual, with pre-recorded acts and a live emcee. Sunday will have in-person, live-streamed classes through the DisabiliTease Academy. Shows and workshops will also be available to rent/purchase a few weeks after the event. Precautions will be taken to ensure a COVID-safe and accessible weekend. Learn more on our 2024 information page.
Ain't no party like a Maggie Faris party!
Cuz a Maggie Faris party don't stop!
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
June 19, 2024
If you like to laugh and you like amazing prizes and the most adorable, funny lesbian in all of the land, you will love PRIDE COMEDY! Hosted by veteran queer comedian Maggie Faris! Also on the show, Shyloh Blake, Alicia Kismet Eler, Sam Schedler and Sarah McPeck!
Join us for a fantastic night of Pride comedy. Laughing together is one of my favorite things to do in the whole world. Maggie Faris is a fun doula! Come and let her birth you into a happier, queerer version of yourself.
This show sells out! Get your tickets now! Friday and Saturday! June 28th-29th! This makes for a great date night, so grab your Pride cutie and come join us at Sisyphus Brewing! Tickets are available at: 2024 Pride Comedy Show Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
We asked these funny folks some questions to get to know them better!
Maggie Faris
What can folks expect at a Maggie Faris Pride Comedy Show?
Fun fun and more fun! We are all about celebrating pride and having a good time. Also. Booby prizes. And some comedy. I forgot. It’s mostly about stand up comedy. Let’s celebrate!
If you had to pick any color of the rainbow to be, which color would you pick and why?
Indigo. Because what really is indigo. Also. Indigo girls. Enough said.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
It’s a celebration of all of the struggles we’ve been through as a community and the growth and changes we’ve made. We’ve come a long way but we still have so far to go especially in this adverse political climate. I like to just take a step back and just enjoy who I am as a human in a supportive community.
What makes you excited about the future of queerness?
More more more. More rights. More acceptance. More equality. More diversity.
What are you talking about right now in your comedy?
A lot about work. Jobs. Retirement. Relationships. Queerness. And silly crap. Always silly crap.
What is your astrological sign?
Aries.
Favorite gas station snack?
I really love a shitty cheeseburger from quick trip. I mean I’ll have a code brown like ten minutes later but it just reminds me of grade school. I loved the shitty cafeteria cheeseburgers.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
I watch and listen to a lot of true crime. I turn it on and for some reason it puts me right to sleep. So I turn it on right before I go to bed. I find it fascinating.
Sarah McPeck
What can folks expect at a Maggie Faris Pride Comedy Show?
So much rowdy lesbian antics. And prizes. Lots of prizes.
If you had to pick any color of the rainbow to be, which color would you pick and why?
Blue. Because it matches my eyes and I love to match.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
It means I am proud to love my authentic self.
What makes you excited about the future of queerness?
These young people who really don't give a f*ck. They just kind of called it: Yeah we're done caring what you think or what tradition says or blah, blah, blah. We are just doing it and that's that. I can't wait to see what art blossoms.
What are you talking about right now in your comedy?
Honestly I'm working on a joke that discusses the latin root of cunning, cunt, and cunnilingus. Let me know if you have a tag for it.
What is your astrological sign?
Nicey, Pisces.
Favorite gas station snack?
Johnsonville Cheddar Brat.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
The Valley of the Dolls on Audible.
Alicia Kısmet
Have you performed on Maggie's PRIDE show before?
I haven’t performed on one of her shows before! Knowing Maggie’s comedy, I am sure folks can expect unhinged hilarious queer comedy!
If you had to pick any color of the rainbow to be, which color would you pick and why?
I think I would pick green because it feels moody.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
For me, Pride means that I can be my authentic self and be proud of it.
What makes you excited about the future of queerness?
I’m really excited about people feeling safe to come out as nonbinary and gender fluid. It gives me hope that eventually the patriarchy will die and the future will be truly queer.
What are you talking about right now in your comedy?
These days in my comedy, I am talking about queer parents having kids, me being confused about my age, sexuality and how weird labels are, dating, sex, relationships, my family, my cats, healthy and not-so-healthy boundaries, intimacy.
What is your astrological sign?
Aquarius ♒️
Favorite gas station snack?
Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake 🍰 Ice Cream Bar.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
“With Teeth” by Kristen Arnett
Sam Schedler
Have you performed on Maggie's PRIDE show before?
I haven't! Super stoked.
If you had to pick any color of the rainbow to be, which color would you pick and why?
Blue because it seems like a very relaxed and levelheaded color which is what I strive to be most of the time (it doesn't work).
What does PRIDE mean to you?
Being the out and proud grown up that little childhood Sam can look up to.
What makes you excited about the future of queerness?
It's fun seeing more acceptance of queer folks in the workplace in employee resource groups and stuff like that. Those can sometimes be so corny but I'm glad they exist!
What are you talking about right now in your comedy?
Right now I'm sort of trying to polish/punch up my favorite bits! And then I find myself talking a lot about cars for some reason.
What is your astrological sign?
Sagittarius.
Favorite gas station snack?
Combos 100000%
What are you reading or listening to right now?
Reading How High We Go In The Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu and listening to Chappel Roan/Sabrina Carpenter non stop.
What can folks expect at a Maggie Faris Pride Comedy Show?
Girl I don't know this is my first one! But I've heard they're the perfect pride weekend event after hanging out at Loring Park or for before you go out and hit the bars.
Shyloh Blake
Have you performed on Maggie's PRIDE show before? What can folks expect at a Maggie Faris Pride Comedy Show?
I have not performed on Maggie's show before, but I know the audience can expect a very good time! Maggie is a top shelf performer.
If you had to pick any color of the rainbow to be, which color would you pick and why?
Green cuz it's fresh.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
It means celebrating queer joy with community.
What makes you excited about the future of queerness?
Orville Peck (gay country music yee haw).
What are you talking about right now in your comedy?
How to navigate life's challenges with a sense of humor.
What is your astrological sign?
Taurus Sun Taurus Moon Scorpio Rising.
Favorite gas station snack?
Depends on the gas station. But it comes down to hot dog or pistachio muffins or Speedway chocolate dipped donuts.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
Thich Nhat Hanh (gotta have that inner peace baaaaybeee).
What can folks expect at a Maggie Faris Pride Comedy Show?
A damn good time!
The Twin Cities Film Fest Announces MNMicro Film Festival
A Celebration of Local Culture & Heritage Through Free Film Screenings
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
June 19, 2024
The Twin Cities Film Fest announces the MNmicro Cultural Film Festival designed to showcase four of Minnesota’s local culture heritages. Each single day festival will feature five free film screenings.
The first MNmicro Film Festival will be held on June 23, 2024 to spotlight the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. Future cultural focuses take place during their respective months of national celebrations: Indigenous (November 2024), Black History (February 2025), and Asian American Pacific Islander (May 2025).
TCFF was one of 86 recipients from a pool of over 350 applicants to receive a grant for the MNmicro Film Festival celebrating Minnesota’s cultural heritage. The Cultural Heritage awards support a wide range of activities throughout the entire State of Minnesota to preserve and honor the state’s cultural heritage by providing education and student outreach on cultural diversity, supporting the development of culturally diverse humanities programming, and empowering communities in building identity and culture. This work is funded in part by the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Tickets for the upcoming PRIDE micro film festival are FREE. Reserve your tickets while supplies last at twincitiesfilmfest.org/mnmicro-film-fest-pride.
Not in My Lifetime (12 p.m.)
Directed by: Pam Colby
Synopsis: Not in My Lifetime is a 75-minute documentary that explores the effects of gay marriage equality legislation on artists, activists and politicians. The film’s narrative unfolds through the life story of Pam Colby, a storyteller and lesbian baby boomer from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/253313053
Reserve free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/922642126437?aff=oddtdtcreator
FREE CeCe! (1 p.m.)
Directed by: Jacqueline Gares
Synopsis: On her way to the store with a group of friends, Chrishaun Reed “CeCe” McDonald was attacked. In fighting for her own life, a man was killed. After a coercive interrogation, CeCe was incarcerated in a men’s prison in Minnesota. An international campaign to free CeCe garnered significant support from media and activists, including actress and executive producer Laverne Cox. Laverne uses her platform to explore the roles race, class, and gender played in CeCe’s case. CeCe emerges not only as a survivor, but as a leader. Documentarian Jac Gares pushes past everyday narratives of victimhood that surround the lives of trans people, to foreground the way CeCe and other trans people are leading a growing movement to critically interrogate and disassemble the prison industrial complex.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNjzvlI0VxM
Reserve free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/922667341857?aff=oddtdtcreator
This Obedience (2 p.m.)
Directed by: Dawn Mikkelson & Jamie A. Lee
Synopsis: Out Lesbian minister the Rev. Anita C. Hill fights the toughest battle of her life as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America grapples with her ordination, an act of “ecclesiastical disobedience” against the church policy that GLBT clergy vow celibacy. THIS Obedience is an emotional journey through the conflict between faith and love.
Reserve free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/922668254587?aff=oddtdtcreator
Witch (3:15 p.m.)
Directed by: Vanessa M. H. Powers
Synopsis: Aima tells her babysitter that the "Witch," created in a game of make-believe, will never stop chasing them. Imagination rules as they march toward their showdown with the evil Witch. The unreal becomes reality, and the consequences remain.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0AfvempU90
Reserve free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/921219932617?aff=oddtdtcreator
Summer Solstice (4:15 p.m.)
Directed by: Noah Schamus
Synopsis: Trans man Leo’s life is a jumble of auditions, acting classes, barista jobs, and situationships, all of which he hopes will amount to more. Unexpectedly, Leo’s college best friend, cisgender and straight Eleanor, calls Leo announcing that she’ll be driving through NYC, and offers to pick him up for an impromptu trip upstate. They embark on the weekend getaway, marking their first time spent together since Leo began transitioning. Reunited with new gender dynamics between them, and uncovering problems lurking behind Eleanor’s “well-meaning” façade, Leo and Eleanor navigate how their old feelings towards one another exist within this new context, forcing them both to confront buried secrets and emotions. A modern twist on the buddy comedy from a queer and trans perspective, this film is a celebration of friendship, resilience, and coming of age again.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/NXJFIGxKyT4
Reserve free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/922671233497?aff=oddtdtcreator
"Pride Party At The Hook"
"Under The Canopy" with Venus DeMars & ATPH, Big Salt, Spit Takes, & Transcendence Cabaret
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
June 5, 2024
Kick off Pride weekend in the Twin Cities at 'Pride Party at The Hook.' 2 full stages of bands, djs, and drag with Venus DeMars & All the Pretty Horses, Big Salt, Spit Takes, Dj Demonica, Dj Lydie-Boy, and Transcendence Cabaret brings you 2 full sets of multiple acts inside the theater between bands. Transcendence Cabaret Producer/ Director Eun Bee Yes emcees the show. Presented by Hook and Ladder Theater and Twin Cities Gay Scene.
Thursday June 27
"Pride Party at The Hook" with Venus DeMars & ATPH, Big Salt, Spit Takes, & Transcendence Cabaret
Under The Canopy at The Hook and Ladder Theater
Doors: 6pm :: Music: 7pm
ADV: $15 / DOS: $20
June Pride Programming At The Main Cinema
Minneapolis St Paul Internation Film Festival Celebrates Pride
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
June 5, 2024
Kick off Pride with MSP Film Pride Month Programming at The Main Cinema!
Use Promo Code MAINPRIDE24 for 20% Off Tickets To All Pride Screenings!
The Practice of Queer Nightlife in the Twin Cities Today
Celebrating queer nightlife at the Walker Art Center
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
June 5, 2024
Throughout the 20th century and continuing today, queer nightlife has gathered artists, cultural producers, and weirdos to create temporary spaces that support and celebrate expansive and inclusive expression of gender, sexuality, and identity. Though the impact of nightlife on personal and collective culture cannot be understated, it is only over the last decade that major cultural institutions have begun to recognize nightlife as an art form. Gathering Twin Cities artists working in Twin Cities nightlife, the panel discussion collectively considers the struggles, urgencies, and joys this art form faces locally today.
Panelists include Nadirah McGill (Gully Boys and Queer Mud Wrestling), Marcela Michelle (Mama San), and Mari Navarro (Gothess).
Mari Navarro is a non-binary artist and creator of Gothess. They create spaces focusing on inclusion for their BIPOC queer siblings. They grace the DJ Altar under the alias DJ Q and have been a DJ for over a decade. Originally from Chicago, where they first found their love of the goth subculture, Navarro saw the freedom the subculture brought by challenging all the binaries. That influence made a huge impact and shaped the perspective and playlist of DJ Q as an artist.
After starting their DJ career in Portland, Oregon, they played in The Star Theater for HIVE (one of the longest-standing goth nights) and were a resident DJ at The Coffin Club (Portland’s horror theme bar). They have created a beautiful home base in Minneapolis that allows them to unleash all the darkwaves in a wonderfully receptive dance community.
Thu, Jun 6, 2024 • 7 pm • Free
Threshold Theater
Performing at the Black Hart of Saint Paul, June 3 at 7pm
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
May 22, 2024
Threshold Theater in celebration of Pride Month and the last production of our 2023-24 season, announces full casting and production details for the next reading in our New Play Reading Series in partnership with The Black Hart of Saint Paul. “Monster Girls At Sunshine Doughnuts:" written by Dani Herd, taking place on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 7pm.
The reading of “Monster Girls At Sunshine Doughnuts” is directed by David Schlosser. The cast features:
Charlotte Craig, Caiti Fallon, Heather Higinbotham, Ellie Palashewski, Austyn Stone, Rae Winegardner, and Matthew A. Everett - Reading stage directions
A vampire, a werewolf, and a Frankenstein's monster walk into a doughnut shop... Meet Louise, Tally, and Elsie: the crew behind Sunshine Doughnuts! The ghouls have fallen into a pretty pleasant spooky routine for themselves; pouring coffee, baking doughnuts, arguing over Scooby-Doo cartoons, having crushes on their regulars. Along comes an unexpected late night visitor to throw everything into question. Sometimes it really sucks how much your past can come back to bite you!
It’s Not the Heat, It’s the Stupidity: 2 Hot, 2 Stupid
Brave New Workshop heats up May 31 to Aug. 3 at the Dudley Riggs Theatre
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
May 22, 2024
Hennepin Theatre Trust has announced that Brave New Workshop has endured winter and is ready to return to the hot plate of improvisation with It’s Not the Heat, It’s the Stupidity: 2 Hot, 2 Stupid running Friday, May 31 through Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 at the Dudley Riggs Theatre (824 Hennepin Ave.) in downtown Minneapolis. Summer in Minnesota is a sacred time — even when we haven’t really had much of a winter. That extra daylight is a precious and fleeting opportunity to have as much fun as possible even if we have to make ourselves and everyone around us completely miserable. Brave New Workshop recognizes the need to shove 10 pounds of fun into a five-pound bag, so for the second year in a row they will be performing a different show every weekend throughout the summer!
Join the Brave New Workshop for an evening of all-improvised comedy with a rotating cast of comedy all-stars. Each performance is a one-of-a-kind original that has never been rehearsed before and will never be performed again because it is entirely created from audience suggestions. But don’t miss out, because just like summer, it’s only here for a brief time.
It’s Not the Heat, It’s the Stupidity: 2 Hot, 2 Stupid is directed by Caleb McEwen, Music Director, Jon Pumper and Technical Director Matthew Vichlach.
Theatre In The Round:
Men On Boats
A rollicking adventure that challenges traditional gender and cultural assumptions.
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
May 8, 2024
With a gender-bent cast portraying the male explorers of John Wesley Powell’s 1869 expedition down the Colorado River, the play offers a fresh perspective on the American West and the nature of adventure itself.
With humor, heart, and a thrilling narrative, “Men on Boats” uses unconventional storytelling to create a thrilling theatrical experience.
Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues their 72nd Season with Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus, the true(ish) story of John Wesley Powell’s 1869 expedition down the Colorado River, running weekends May 10 to June 2 with a Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on May 20.
This rollicking adventure offers a fresh perspective on the American West and the nature of adventure itself, telling the story of the all-male explorers with a cast women and gender-expansive performers.
With humor, heart, and a thrilling narrative, Men on Boats uses unconventional storytelling to create a thrilling theatrical experience.
Sophie Peyton directs the ten-member cast with movement direction by Kelly Nelson, sets designed by MJ Leffler, costumes by Claire Looker, lighting by Bill Larsen, props by Vicky Erikson, and sound design by Christy Johnson.
Men on Boats runs May 10 to June 2. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm.
The Aliveness Project Is Expanding!
The expansion and renovation will begin March 2024.
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
March 13, 2024
Thanks to you, 2023 was an incredible year of growth and accomplishment at the Aliveness Project. Still, new cases of HIV in Minnesota continue to rise, and too many people living with HIV are struggling with homelessness, addiction, and food insecurity.
Aliveness exists to prevent and end HIV. Thanks to you, we continue to meet this challenge.
The demand for our services continues to increase. In 2023 we:
- Served 25% more meals and distributed 12% more food
- Provided housing and rental subsidies to 30 unhoused members
- Distributed 800 harm reduction kits per month in our mobile syringe exchange
- Served 60 PrEP patients per month
- Provided over 3,000 HIV tests and identified and linked 16 newly diagnosed individuals
- Organized community advocates to pass historic state funding of $20 million for HIV Care and Prevention!
Our staff and volunteers accomplished incredible work last year, but 2024 will be even bigger. We continue to grow our basic needs services, harm reduction, housing, and HIV prevention to meet community demand.
We are launching a transformative capitol project to build-out our basement to house a new HIV Prevention/PrEP clinic and pharmacy to ensure everyone in the community has access to the tools to prevent and end HIV.
This expansion and renovation will begin in March. These projects require massive effort, so have put many measures in place to ensure minimal disruption to the services. Look out for more information.
The Movement Continues!
STP Pride Festival & Parade 2024 is here!
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
February 14, 2024
St. PL Pride Week
June 10th - 14th (M-F) 2024
Daily art exhibiting, live music/entertainment and standup comedy in Lowertown with participating hotel, business, restaurant and brewery partners during St. PL Pride Week. More information available upon request.
STP Pride Parade Open Street Launch Party Mears Park/The Bulldog Lowertown
June 15th 9am-12pm
Open Street Style block party on 6th street in the front of The Bulldog Lowertown. STREET STAGE, entertainment, vendors, street food, HEADLINER (TBD). Gathering point for 6th street Mears to Rice Park Parade Walk. We will be attempting to set a Guinness Book World Record and will need YOUR HELP. More information available upon request.
STP Pride Festival Rice Park
June 15th 11am-10pm
Live Music ALL DAY, Street Food Vendors, Beer Garden Experience, Taste of Downtown Foodie Experience, Art Exhibitors, Unity Speakers, Food Vendors.
Curveballs in 2024
• We stand committed to youth workforce development and will be partnering with homeless youth artists in Downtown St. PL who will be hired to design and art for the FRONT of the 2024 PRIDE FEATURE T-SHIRT.
• A New Hip Hop Festival (SOTASOUND) will be announced at the Pride Festival at Rice Park. There we see some feature performances from LIL CRUSH & other feature artists on the Pride MAIN STAGE at Rice Park (6:30pm). SotaSound is dedicated to uplifting ART, MUSIC & CULTURE in Minnesota.
Interact with the STP Pride Team in 2024
If you would like to have an interaction with the STP Pride PERFORMING ARTISTS, INFLUENCERS or ORGANIZERS, please let us know. We would love to send a member over to promote & educate your audience about STP PRIDE and what’s in store for 2024!
Minneapolis-based podcast This Queer Book Saved My Life
Nominated for GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Podcast
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
January 31, 2024
The Minneapolis-based podcast This Queer Book Saved My Life was nominated Wednesday January 17 for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Podcast by GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization.
“Our reactions ping-ponged between disbelief and joy,” said host and founder J.P. Der Boghossian. “We are an indie podcast. To be nominated with shows we listen to and love, and from companies like iHeart, NPR, and Wondery, is tremendous.”
The GLAAD Media Awards are the most recognized annual LGBTQ awards ceremonies in the world. They honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.
“Our guests on the podcast come from across the rainbow, sharing books that helped them come out, begin their gender transition, process an abusive relationship, and navigate homophobia in their family,” said Der Boghossian. “And in these episodes we’ve had conversations with some of the top LGBTQ authors writing today.”
These authors include: National Book Award Finalist Carmen Maria Machado, New York Time Bestseller Alison Bechdel, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis, and the founder of Drag Queen Story Hour Michelle Tea.
This Queer Book Saved My Life premiered in June 2022. Since then it has been listened to in over one-hundred countries and over 2,000 cities worldwide. It has been in the top 40 charts of Apple Podcasts Books Category in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Sweden, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Armenia. It ranks in the top 25% of all podcasts on its hosting service Buzzsprout. which is one of the largest hosting services in the world.
“I hope with this nomination we can further raise up these voices and books to more people,” said Executive Producer Jim Pounds. “At a time when LGBTQ book bans are at historic and record highs, we’re showing the personal impacts these books have and why people of all ages need to be reading them.”
Der Boghossian’s company This Queer Book Productions, LLC focuses on developing and producing LGBTQ podcasts. In addition to This Queer Book Saved My Life, they produce The Gaily Show and 7 Minutes in Book Heaven.
The Gaily Show celebrates LGBTQ culture and entertainment in Minnesota and beyond. It is a video and audio podcast that airs every Saturday at 2pm on AM950 as well as on AM950’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. It runs alongside episodes of This Queer Book Saved My Life. Both are available on all streaming platforms.
“Our partnership with AM950 extends beyond airing our own shows on their network,” said Pounds. “We are co-creating with AM950 a block of LGBTQ-led podcasts that runs from 2pm – 5pm every Saturday.”
These include AM950’s long running show Ellie 2.0 hosted by transgender speaker, author, and legal advocate Ellie Krug and now Twin Cities Pride AMPLIFIED which is a new show produced by Twin Cities Pride.
“We want to be a leader in creating impactful and high-quality LGBTQ podcasts that uplift LGBTQ culture and queer creators,” said Der Boghossian. “This nomination from GLAAD validates that we’re on that path to achieving our goal.”
The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held this year in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on Thursday, March 14, 2024 and in New York City, at the Hilton Midtown, on Saturday, May 11, 2024. For more information: Click Here!
This Queer Book Saved My Life is the podcast where LGBTQ guests share the queer books that saved their lives with the authors who wrote them. Featuring Carmen Maria Machado, Alison Bechdel, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Greg Louganis, Becky Albertalli, and so many more, guests from across the rainbow tell these authors how their books helped them overcome alienation, gender dysphoria, familial homophobia, and being outed.
J.P. Der Boghossian is a podcaster, essayist, and educator. In 2022, he was named a LAMBDA Literary fellow. He is the founder of the Queer Armenian Library, the world’s first library devoted to books, film, and television by, about, and for Queer Armenians. He serves on the Board of the International Armenian Literary Alliance. After a decade working in broadcast journalism, he worked in higher education and LGBTQ health equity. He now runs This Queer Book Productions, LLC.
Jim Pounds’ career included 27-years in advertising agencies (both in LA and the Twin Cities), which was followed by a 12-year career in marketing for higher education. He taught for 15-years a capstone marketing class at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Jim served on the Board of the Advertising Federation of MN for four years and was part of the team that won a Grand Effie Award from the American Marketing Association for the first campaign to elect Paul Wellstone to the US Senate in 1990. Jim is also an actor and has performed professionally since 2004.
Beautiful
The Carole King Musical!
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is pleased to bring its audiences the beloved Broadway hit
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
January 31, 2024
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) is pleased to bring its audiences the beloved Broadway hit, BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, set to open on the Main Stage on March 1 with official opening night festivities on Friday, March 8, 2024.
For almost seven years, BEAUTIFUL, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Carole King musical, thrilled Broadway with its inspiring true story of one woman's remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend. Carole King started writing hits for many national acts from The Shirelles to The Righteous Brothers – The Monkees to The Drifters and Neil Sedaka to Little Eva. In the early years, she fell in love and was partnered with lyricist husband, Gerry Goffin. Eventually she found her own life-changing, chart-busting success with Tapestry in 1971. King gave us the soundtrack to our lives with that acclaimed breakthrough album, which has been certified 13x Platinum. BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL takes you back to where it all began - and on the ride of a lifetime.
Beyond Tapestry, her accolades include four Grammy Awards, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (as performer and songwriter), the 2013 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song – the first woman to receive the prize – and a 2015 Kennedy Center Honoree.
King wrote over 100 of pop music’s biggest hits for other artists, and over 60 songs, that have charted, for herself. BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL features over two dozen pop classics, including "You've Got A Friend," "One Fine Day," "So Far Away," “It’s Too Late,” “The Locomotion,” "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," “I Feel The Earth Move” and "Natural Woman."
BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL is currently in the official list of the 15 longest-running musicals in Broadway history, which speaks to its popularity and acclaim. With music and lyrics by Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, and book by Douglas McGrath, this crowd-pleasing international phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember - and a story you'll never forget. A huge cast of singers and dancers will bring this big musical with more than 24 of her greatest hits to life in a joy-filled celebration.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is beyond thrilled to welcome Monet Sabel who will play the title role of Carole King. Sabel comes from New York City and played the role in the Broadway tour. She stated, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to make my Chanhassen debut, share this story with you. Getting to sing these iconic songs every night is a dream come true! I can’t wait to meet you all at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.”
BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL will play on Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ Main Stage through September 2024. BEAUTIFUL will be performed eight times weekly with evening performances Tuesday through Sunday evenings, and Wednesday and Saturday matinees. Dinner and show ticket prices: Tuesday and Wednesday evenings $85; Thursday evenings $90; Friday and Saturday evenings $105; Wednesday matinees $75 and Saturday matinees $85; Sunday $100. Groups of 12 or more are eligible to receive special discounts. For specific times, reservations and information, call the CDT box office at 952-934-1525 or visit ChanhassenDT.com
Janet Jackson Returns!
Ms. Jackson’s Together Again 2024 Tour builds on the success of the 2023 run
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
January 31, 2024
One year after announcing her highly anticipated return to the road with her ninth concert tour, Together Again, today five-time GRAMMY®️ Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®️ Inductee Janet Jackson reveals she will be adding 35 dates to the run. In addition, Nelly will join Jackson on tour across all dates as her special guest.
Ms. Jackson’s Together Again 2024 Tour builds on the success of the 2023 run, the icon’s highest selling trek of her career which featured 36 sold out shows and received rave reviews from fans and press. Okayplayer said “Janet has still got it, serving as our beloved sex symbol, superstar, and Queen of Pop that no one has come close to emulating.” The Chicago Tribune confirmed, “Being a performer, a showstopper, a true delight is not just what Janet Jackson does. It is who she is.” And the Boston Globe claimed, “Jackson is a killer live act.”
Produced by Live Nation, the new leg of this tour will start in summer 2024 visiting North American arenas and amphitheaters in Los Angeles, Chicago, Brooklyn, and more, kicking-off in Palm Desert, CA at Acrisure Arena on June 4 and wrapping up in Phoenix, AZ at Footprint Center on July 30.
The Together Again Tour will offer everyone the chance to reunite with Ms. Jackson in celebration of her 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlight the milestones for three of Jackson’s most critically acclaimed albums - 25 years of The Velvet Rope, 30 years of janet, and 35 years of Rhythm Nation. featuring her biggest chart-topping hits. In addition, fans can expect the three-time GRAMMY®️ winner and Diamond-selling Hip-Hop sensation Nelly to deliver a powerhouse performance, showcasing his greatest hits and cherished fan favorites spanning the last two decades.
Tickets are available now on LiveNation.com.
Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, Meet & Greet and photo op with Janet Jackson, pre-show VIP lounge, collectible VIP concert ticket & more. For more information, visit VIPnation.com.
Onya Deek &
Mercedes Iman Diamond
We chat with the new show directors of the Gay 90's Ladies of Lafemme!
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
December 20, 2023
Congratulations on becoming the show Director of Ladies of LaFemme! What does this mean to you personally?
Thank you so much! It’s been so exciting to step into this role! The first drag show I ever went to was at the Gay 90’s. It is wild to think that 10 years later, I’d be co-show directing the longest running drag show in the midwest!
As the show Director, what creative vision do you bring to Ladies of LaFemme? How do you envision the show evolving under your direction?
I grew up as a male competitive figure skater. I always dreamed about wearing the sparkly rhinestoned costumes. Drag allows me to have full creative control and having full creative control allows me to be my most authentic self. My goal is to build on the legacy of the Ladies of LaFemme and Gay 90s by encouraging all entertainers to perform in their costumes that make them feel the most confident and do the songs that they love the most so they can freely express themselves.
How do you collaborate with the performers to create a cohesive and entertaining show? Can you share some insights into the creative process?
We have an incredibly talented diverse cast. These entertainers have years of experience in the buisness! Their experience goes beyond performing to include producing, directing, pageantry, hosting- you name it! We can all appreciate each other’s individual talents and build each other up and I think the audience feels that. Working and surrounding ourselves with such talented entertainers who also know how to produce and put on a successful show has been so rewarding to see how it makes the show run smoother, keeping the audience engaged longer and the energy high throughout the show!
Drag has always played a significant role in the LGBTQ+ community. How do you see Ladies of LaFemme contributing to the local LGBTQ+ community in Minneapolis?
As the longest running show in the twin cities, the Gay 90s and the Ladies of LaFemme have been a staple in the community. Providing a safe space, hosting charity events, providing performing opportunities...not to mention our incredible cast performs throughout the community bringing awareness through the cities!
What challenges do you face as the show Director, and conversely, what are the most rewarding aspects of your role?
Providing opportunities is the answer to both. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to encourage, cultivate, and work alongside this city’s talented performers. Also...because there is an abundance of talented entertainers, it is difficult to provide enough opportunities for everyone. We are given a show to produce 4 nights a week- and with so many opportunities, you would think that everyone would be able to be booked as much as they would like but there is just so many talented performers here in the cities and I don’t even feel like we’ve scratched the surface at getting them all a chance to perform at the Gay 90’s. But the most rewarding part is hearing how much fun the performers had, how they loved the energy of the crowd, how much fun the had backstage and how they can’t wait to come back and work there again. That excitement makes any stress completely worth it!
How do you approach inclusivity and representation in your shows? Is it important for you to showcase a diverse range of performers and styles?
It’s so important to Mercedes and I when we go to schedule the show for the upcoming month that we showcase not only a diverse cast but also diverse entertainment! The 90’s has also been so great to highlight some of the diverse genres of drag and entertainment with the preshows that they offer!
Kinky Fridays- the first Friday of the month
ToolBox- the male strip show every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month
La Follies Burlesque- every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
Twin Cities Cabaret- 1st Thursday of the month
ReVamped- 2nd Fridays of the month P.H.A.T.- 2nd Saturday of the month
TranTasia- the Last Friday of the month
Stupid Sells- the 4th Saturday of the month
Can you share some memorable moments or performances from Ladies of LaFemme that stand out to you?
Honestly, it’s always a fun time backstage with these ladies! The nights are always so memorable and the laughs are never ending! These ladies are such amazing entertainers and I’m so thankful to be working with them as often as I do! It’s definitely become a sisterhood and I’ve really loved getting to know and trust these gals and the Gay 90’s staff as much as I do!
For individuals aspiring to get into drag or performance art, what advice do you have for them, based on your own experiences?
The best advice I can give is to come out to the Gay 90’s! There are so many opportunities for people to start their drag journey or further it at the Gay 90s! Wednesday nights we have the So You Think You Can Drag competition hosted by Dex Derity. This is a great place to have that community with other performers new or experienced to collaborate and talk over ideas and get advice. The winner each Wednesday then performs with the Ladies of LaFemme that upcoming Friday. We also have our spotlight performance spot available every thursday and sunday for newer performers to perform on that fabulous stage with the Ladies of LaFemme. Also all of us are more than happy to help with resources or advice!
What can the audience expect from Ladies of LaFemme in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or themes that you're excited about?
The Gay 90’s is really focused on making it a safe space for everyone & it’s been so amazing to see the amazing work that Robert and Nate (our managers at the Gay 90’s) are doing around the club! We are starting our first annual “Halfway to Pride” Party on January 27, 2024 from 9pm-3am. I am so excited for all the fun new events and activities the bar is doing for the LGBT+ community! Keep your eyes out for more fun events to come!
Upcoming events?
Every Wednesday at 10pm- So You Think You Can Drag
Thursday- Ladies of LaFemme 10pm-1am
Friday- Ladies of LaFemme 10pm-2am
Saturday- Ladies of LaFemme 10pm-2am
Sunday- Ladies of LaFemme 10pm-1am
Our preshows on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 9PM
Dec 31- Countown to New Year’s party
Jan 18- Mr Gay 90’s Pageant
Feb 8- Queen of Hearts Pageant
June 27- City of the Lakes Pageant
Oct 24- Miss Gay 90’s Pageant
Pridefit
Getting Fit with Pridefit Founder Sam Leicht
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
December 20, 2023
By Joey Amato
Sam Leicht didn’t always know he was going to find a career in fitness. The Wisconsin native attended school in Cleveland for music theater, and before relocating to New York City about 6 years ago. Acting in NYC was great for a few years, but he mentions he has a passion for fitness.
Earlier this month, he launched the Pridefit app, which features a collection of on-demand workouts for every fitness level, an in-app global community, a recipe guide, and more. The app is now available for download for a low monthly payment of $35 per month.
As with many great entrepreneurial ventures, Pridefit was created out of necessity. “I've always found the gym to be such an intimidating place - even after becoming a trainer,” mentions Leicht. “I grew up feeling like I didn't fit in there because I was gay, and I never want people to feel like they can't be healthy because they don't have a space where they can confidently and safely exercise.”
Pridefit helps athletes by giving them educational resources so they can feel confident at the gym, and a global community of peers who will lift them up at every point in their fitness journey. “Everyone deserves to exercise and be healthy, and we've created the perfect place for it through Pridefit.”
Leicht taught himself how to create the perfect inspirational fitness videos through a combination of past education and post-college certifications. “I had taken lots of on-camera acting classes, so when the pandemic happened and everything went online, it was a pretty natural transition for me. Coaching on video can really only be improved by doing it, so I've made hundreds of workout videos over the years so that I can be the best coach possible for my community.”
In 2024, the goal for Pridefit is to build a “badass, diverse team of coaches so that everyone feels included in the community.” Adding more coaches increases the efficacy of the coaching dramatically because each user should have different trainers to learn and grow with.
Personal training can have its ups and downs. One of Leicht’s favorite aspects of training is getting to help people improve their movement mechanics in real-time. “Sometimes we'll make an adjustment to an exercise that you can tell will stick with a member their whole life, and seeing them make that connection is incredibly rewarding.”
His least favorite part about being a trainer is having to remind people that fitness doesn't have a finish line. “We're exercising and moving our bodies for the rest of our lives, so stop looking for shortcuts. The only shortcut we have in fitness is consistency. Having to remind people of this can be super draining - especially when so many fitness programs out there promise fast results and absolutely cannot deliver on them.”
Over the years, Leicht has had so many coaches who have pushed him to be better and continue his education. “Someone I look up to is Jane Fonda. I'm so obsessed with her multi-hyphenate life of being an actor, fitness queen, entrepreneur, and activist.”
Starting a business always comes with challenges and Pridefit is no exception. “One of the hardest parts about creating a holistic fitness program is that it's hard to get people excited about fitness without over-promising and exaggerating results. We're giving you the best workouts out there, an incredible community, all the resources you need to reach your goals and live a long and happy life, and yet, if we don't show you an ad with progress pictures and a promise to lose 10 pounds in your first month, you're not going to trust us with your fitness? It's tough, but we're not going to jeopardize our ethos to get members in the door.”
Leicht goes on to explain that all individuals need movement, but that doesn’t always mean going to the gym, lifting weights, or jogging. “You get to decide what type of movement you enjoy the most and go from there. Motivation to do something that you know you're going to hate? Very hard. Motivation to do something that you actually enjoy like walking or yoga? Much easier. We must stop thinking that traditional gym workouts are the only option. Some movement is always better than none.”
Violet Directory is live!
The online directory for providers and educational articles dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ community.
Health Scene!
Rainbow Health
Browse the online directory for providers and educational articles dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ seniors, and those living with HIV, with affirming, equitable healthcare options.
September 13, 2023
Whether you’re looking for HIV testing sites, HIV-related public programs, or LGBTQ+ aging-friendly services in Minnesota, Violet Directory has you covered. Our comprehensive listings include medical care, mental health care, housing, home health aids, transportation, and so much more.
We’re always adding new providers and resources, so make sure to bookmark the directory to check for updates easily.
Have Questions? Send our Violet team an e-mail with your questions, feedback, and community recommendations!
Doggy Style
Brightens Up The LGBTQIA+ Community with Its Technicolor Collection
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
August 30, 2023
The Underwear and Accessories Brand Introduces New Fetish Gear in Pink, Blue and Yellow
Doggy Style, the gay-owned underwear and accessories brand, is introducing The Technicolor Collection, its new line of men’s briefs, jockstraps and harnesses in hot pink, electric blue and blazing yellow. It represents the next stage in the evolution of the fetish brand that launched earlier this year with its black-and-white Monochrome Collection. “The Technicolor Collection is the same soft and comfortable fabric our customers have come to love but in the fun new shades they have been asking for,” says the brand’s co-founder Levi Woods.
There are other changes, too; most noticeably to the jockstrap. Instead of the Doggy Style logo placed across the front of the waistband as it was in the Monochrome Collection, it is now across the back, where, according to co-founder Manu Bautista, it always should have been. “The rear view of a jockstrap is one of its best assets,” he says. "That’s the focal point. Moving the logo to the rear is good marketing,” he laughs.
Also significant with the new collection is the ability to pair harnesses with briefs and jockstraps of the same color or mix and match pieces. The color coordinated tags are an added feature that work to elevate the garments from their Monochrome predecessors.
Real-life partners Levi Woods and Manu Bautista launched their brand last year after the phrase Doggy Style came up in casual conversation. “We remarked how it would be a great name for a queer underwear company,” Woods explains. “It's sexy and provocative and lends itself to additional branding and product concepts. We knew we were onto something and had to give it a go.’”
Their Monochrome Collection was a resounding success with sales all over the world. The brand offers both free and low-cost shipping options, domestically and internationally. “In addition to the states, we have customers in South and Central America, Canada, Europe and Australia,” says Bautista. "We’re excited that the brand is resonating around the world.”
Says Woods, the personal connection the brand has with its consumer base is vital. “Our customers are vocal about what they like and what they want from us and we are committed to creating products that we know they will enjoy."
A portion of all Doggy Style sales are donated to community organizations like The Trevor Project. Giving to charities has always been an important part of who Levi Woods and Manu Bautista are as individuals, and with their company, they have big philanthropic goals that they are eager to put into action.
Doggy Style’s "The Technicolor Collection” will be available September 8
The Eagle Has Landed
New ownership has big changes and big Pride!
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
The whole idea of the new brand change was to get back to who we already are.
June 21, 2023
"Everyone refers to it as 'The Eagle' so why not lean into it. Most of the changes besides the brand are really in programing." We chat with new owner Dan Shamp.
Hi Dan! Tell us more about what will be happening at the Eagle | Mpls.
I feel that one of the things that had been missing from EAGLE|MPLS was events. The community has made it very clear that there is a need for a safe space where they can go and dance, hangout, fundraise, be entertained or just overall celebrate the diverse communities which make up our incredible LGBTQIA+ community.
We are adding back in more leather events, and kink and fetish events, along with more traditional dance and disco parties, as well as themed nights and just overall fun parties. We will continue to grow our involvement with the wonderful sports and activities teams/groups and there will be many events surrounding those as well. We are a Platinum Sponsor for TCGSL and sponsor the Stonewall Sports League. We just signed on to be a major sponsor for the Light Up the North Gay World Series coming in August. We also sponsor many individual teams and sports and hope to continue to work with these wonderful groups for many more years. We are going to be continue to utilize our incredible location and spacious and beautiful patio. There will be some renovations in time, but right now the main focus is to continue to serve as a safe space for anyone within our community to feel comfortable have fun and feel free to be themselves.
The Eagle | Mpls has had several events, like "Showtunes Sunday", that have been staples in the community for years. What's the challenge with integrating new ideas with the current mainstays?
Don't worry, Showtunes are not going anywhere. It is something that the community loves and is a long standing tradition, if anything we hope to see it grow and evolve. The groundwork has already been done for me, the bones are good. Its not a matter of out with the old in with the new, its a matter of taking what we already do well and adding to it. This bar as you mentioned has been a staple and my sincere hope is that I can take all of the incredible work of my predecessor and add to it.
Will the Daddy Issues dance events continue?
Daddy Issues will continue to have events at the bar, the community has responded really well and we love having them.
Drag is huge! The Eagle | Mpls traditionally does not have drag shows. Is this something you are considering?
I believe the city has some incredible venues for drag, I am not sure we can offer anything to the community that they already don't have in other locations. My personal goal and subsequently the goal of EAGLE|MPLS is to listen to our community and continue to try things that they are asking for. At this time adding another drag venue doesn't seem to be what they are asking for.
Would you consider stand up Comedy at the Eagle | Mpls?
It hasn't come up yet in planning however I am never opposed to a good idea, and I love to try things out. There is a possibility that this could make an appearance in future events.
Will the Eagle | Mpls be involved with Mr. Eagle?
I have every intention of bringing back Mr EAGLE|MPLS. In fact we are in early talks with many people who are wanting this event to return. As a first step we are actually sponsoring an IML hopeful at the Route66 competition at the end of July.
Prior to your purchase, the Eagle | Mpls remodeled and expanded their outdoor patio; do you have any plans for further updates?
There are always plans, nothing to be announced at this time. The second floor of both buildings are in the future plans, not 100% sure what that looks like yet, but will definitely keep the community apprised as things develop. As for the bar itself you will be seeing many smaller updates incrementally some bathroom and décor updates are in the works and we have already made some smaller changes to keep the bar and patio in good shape.
Tell us about the drink specials. Will you continue 3-4-1s?
3-4-1s will continue once a month as will the beer busts. We are continuing our incredible HH M-F, and we are adding in drink specials at most events.
What is happening at the Eagle | Mpls for Twin Cities Pride?
Thurs- Wear your Pride Event 3pm-Close
Friday- Pride Beach Party 2pm-Close with a community voted Swimsuit competition with CASH Prizes of $500(1st place) $100 (2nd Place) $50 (3rd Place) Dance party all night long
Saturday- Daddy Issues TakeOver with Music starting on the Patio at 1pm Tea Dance and moving into a full Leather Dance Party that goes through the night.
Sunday - After Parade party and showtunes.
NO COVER ALL WEEKEND
What does Pride mean to you?
Community, in a world where just being your authentic self can be dangerous and can leave people with a sense of feeling alone Pride is an incredible time of year for EVERY person who finds themselves somewhere within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum to feel safe and seen. Its a time to celebrate who we are as individuals but also who we are as a community, we are stronger together.
If you had to pick a tagline for the Eagle | Mpls, what would it be?
I'm struggling with this one, maybe a good community contest to define one?
Anything else you would like to add?
My goal is to provide the community with a space you consider your own, I want EAGLE|MPLS to be home, a place for fun, a place for community, a place you can truly be yourself. We are not going to get everything right the first time and we are going to have events and programming that do very well and some that won't. We will make mistakes in messaging and content, and hope that its as limited as possible. It is my sincere promise that we will always try to do better and to serve the community that I love with a pure heart and good intentions. My email and ears are always open to hear what you have to say. I want to hear what you have to say. You all reading this, are the lifeblood of our community and EAGLE|MPLS is for you.
Her Black Joy
Jodyann Morgan's CTOAN Co
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
February 15, 2023
Black people own only 2.4% of all businesses in the US. Black women have the deck doubly stacked against them. For Jodyann Morgan, a queer, Black woman, representation not only matters, it’s the foundation of her business, CTOAN Co, a fat body candle company.
CTOAN Co is a Black, queer owned candle company based in Milwaukee, WI. Founded by Jodyann Morgan in November of 2021, it quickly became an internet sensation, with many prominent plus size, Black, and LGBT influencers sharing the candles on their platform. Best known for gender free body sculpture candles that are size fat, CTOAN also occasionally offers tealights, mini fat body wax melts and luxurious jarred candles. CTOAN prides itself in giving back to the community with a portion of sales from every collection donated to various causes.
Jodyann creates lovingly hand poured, trans inclusive, gender-free candles (including 7 original designs!) that allow people to see their bodies, and the bodies of people they love, in accessible art.
For Black History Month, Jodyann has launched her Black Joy collection. Trauma, death and sorrow are deeply intertwined with the Black lived experience, but Black joy is critical to survival. Morgan’s Black Joy collection pays tribute to Black creativity, expression, excellence, and euphoria.
Each candle will cost $35. With a focus on giving back, last year Jodyann donated over $4100 to mutual aid funds and non profits serving her communities. Her Black Joy collection continues the tradition, with $2 from every candle being donated to Roots & River Productions, which produces the work of queer and trans Black artists.
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