Trans Youth Support Network Blog

2011 Winter Update

2011-12-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

Today, the Trans Youth Support Network is thrilled to write you at the end of our first full year in the Exchange, our community space on Chicago Avenue. The space we created here with MN Trans Health Coalition, RARE Productions, and your support has grown into a crucial site in our collective struggle to guarantee a bright future for today's trans and gender non-conforming youth.

A month ago, at the Exchange, TYSN Youth Members gathered to share a meal on Trans Day of Remembrance. On this day, when our community mourns the loss of the many trans people killed each year, we were comforted and strengthened by the warmth and feeling of family we've created at TYSN. When we remember the community members taken from us, sitting down together to share a meal becomes invaluable. In these moments, we truly feel the enormous power of our community. Together, we challenge the isolation so many of us experience as people who transgress expectations of sexuality and gender. Together, we make it safer for us to express and celebrate each of our diverse identities and expressions. Together, we expand each other's circles of family. This is the powerful simplicity of what TYSN does: TYSN strengthens community ties, and in doing so, makes each member of the community stronger. While this reminder is especially poignant on Trans Day of Remembrance, this is what TYSN does every day, all year.

Last year, with your support, TYSN radically impacted the lives of trans youth and shifted the culture of youth-serving organizations. Our Youth Members’ relationships to local clinics, shelters, schools, and non-profits are transforming the service sector in Minnesota, so that transgender youth no longer fall through the cracks. TYSN’s Community Hormones Access Project has introduced new protocols for healthcare providers with the result of increased access to respectful, safe hormone prescriptions for trans youth. And we’ve stood with CeCe McDonald, a young African American transgender woman, as she has led a powerful fight for her own freedom in the face of racist, transphobic criminal charges. Together, TYSN is gathering, training, organizing, connecting, making media, dancing, creating art, paneling, storytelling, rallying, court-watching, and struggling to make systemic change by and for trans youth. We invite you to join us. Will you celebrate TYSN’s accomplishments this year with a $100 donation, or join us as a sustaining member at $5, $10, or $30/month?

In solidarity and celebration,

the Trans Youth Support Network

p.s. We can’t wait for the next time we see you at the Exchange. Keep an eye out for upcoming events by following the Trans Youth Support Network on Facebook.

You Gave to the Maximum

2011-11-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

On November 16th, the beautiful fierce TYSN community came together and gave for Give to the Max Day 2011. Over $3,000 was raised in a single day to support TYSN's mission to promote racial, social, and economic justice for trans youth. You didn't Give to the Max. You gave to the Glitter All-Star Super Ultra MAXIMUM.

With this kind of support, we have been able to develop new leadership in the trans community. Our active Youth Membership has birthed campaigns such as Free CeCe!, Fight Bathroom Discrimination, and Occupy Victoria's Secret this past year. Youth Members have been leading Public Education (panels, discussions, trainings, evaluations, etc) amongst our 13 Network Members and at over 20 other organizations this past year. We have seen a drastic shift in the accessibility and sensitivity of services in the Twin Cities for trans youth. We have seen trans youth stand up and fight back against racism, transphobia, and economic injustices.

The work we do could not continue without the support of community members like you. Your support allows TYSN to keep developing the political analysis and community organizing skills of trans youth who are the leaders our movements need. Thank you for your thoughtful contributions. We truly appreciate this show of support and are grateful to share this struggle with so many Glitter Giving Unicorn Liberating Double Rainbow Maximum Warriors.

Give to the Glittery Ultra Unicorn MAXIMUM

2011-11-15T18:03:00.000-08:00

On November 16th, people all over Minnesota will be giving to the non-profit organizations they support through GiveMN's Give to the Max Day. When you donate to TYSN on Give to the Max Day, TYSN has a chance to win Give to the Max incentives, like prizes for small non-profit organizations and hourly $1000 prize grants. But more importantly, by giving to TYSN--at whatever level you're able to donate--you're demonstrating that you're invested in our work towards systemic change and justice for transgender youth, especially young transgender women of color. TYSN is truly a community organization: on Give to the Max Day, like every other day, we rely on our community of supporters to sustain our organizing. Please give what you can, and ask your friends, family members, and co-workers to do the same.

TYSN Advisory Board Letter to Quorum Board of Directors regarding Katie Burgess' NCOD Luncheon Speech

2011-10-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Kirk Gryder and the Quorum Board of Directors,

Thank you for writing us with your reactions, thoughts, and concerns related to Katie Burgess’ speech at the NCOD luncheon event.

We have received an outpouring of responses following the speech, and the vast majority of them have been overwhelmingly positive. These responses confirmed that Katie tapped into feelings and beliefs that are shared by many within the community, and was energizing and inspiring for those individuals and organizations. That said, we recognize that you and your organization did not share that experience of the speech, and found it offensive and contrary to your hopes for the event.

In her speech, Katie responded directly to the words provided to her by Julie Watson, the Executive Director of Quorum, intended to offer inspiration about the goals of the event. Ms. Watson wrote:

This year we are focused on our place not only within our GLBT and Allied Community, but also within the broader definition of community as a whole. The reality is that all of our identities are multi-faceted, multi-layered and complex. True authenticity is when all of these layers can be fully expressed, and hopefully embraced by those like us as well those who are different. … Think of all definitions of community: geographic, faith, racial, ethnic, socio economic class, cultural... this goes on forever.

The Advisory Board of TYSN feels that in linking the work of those fighting for workplace inclusion to broader struggles for social justice, Katie was both directly responding to this call as well as fulfilling the mission of TYSN to fight for racial, social, and economic justice. The issues that Katie addressed are legitimate and crucial to the creation of a better world.

In her speech, Katie cited publicly available information about Cargill.1 This information is not manufactured, it is not secret, and her choice to bring that information to an audience who was likely unfamiliar with it was an intentional choice. She did so to raise awareness of the complexities of fighting for the "rights" of some people – some LGBT people, some people in the U.S., some workers – at the expense of the safety and wellbeing of other people. We hope that our communities – LGBT communities, Twin Cities communities, the group of people who came together at Quorum – will examine closely what it is about this truth-telling that was so alarming, so threatening.

Fighting for workplace inclusion is incredibly important, but as Julie Watson noted in her invitation, it is not enough. The trans youth in TYSN’s community need more than workplace inclusion, they are working – and we are working alongside them – to fight their over-representation in jails and prisons and maltreatment by the police, poverty and homelessness, and an economic system which continues to prioritize the health and wealth of those of us who assimilate most easily into dominant, mainstream communities.

Because of the lack of accountable, accessible, and culturally sensitive resources for trans youth, people often ask TYSN to step forward and provide direct services, such as shelter, mental health support, legal aid, or case management for trans and gender non-conforming youth. And in recognition of those disparities, and out of the tokenizing assumption that trans people speak with one voice, TYSN is often asked to speak at events representing “transgender people.” Although both of these tasks are necessary, they are not TYSN’s work. TYSN does not provide direct services; instead we are working to challenge the root causes that make those services necessary – economic disparities, racism, transphobia, and other systems. Similarly, TYSN does not represent all “transgender voices;” it can only represent itself and its work fighting for justice. Therefore, when Katie was asked to speak, she did so on behalf of TYSN, and its mission to fight for racial, social and economic justice. The Advisory Board recognizes that while we were very grateful for the invitation for TYSN to speak at the NCOD luncheon, and wanted to do so in support of the work that Quorum does, it is now clear that we should have declined the invitation, as it was not an appropriate forum in which to speak about TYSN’s work.

TYSN’s Advisory Board sees this letter as a first step in response to your concerns. We encourage you to stay connected to TYSN as we grow, evolve, challenge, and engage our communities. We also ask that you keep in mind the economic power that the corporations present at the event hold in comparison to TYSN, and the entitlement that often comes from such power. TYSN is vastly under-resourced. Some members of this Advisory Board have in the past, through other associations, written letters challenging representatives of big organizations – never to get a response. We can and will respond.

We have one staff person, share a tiny office space with two other organizations, and are barely able to sustain an annual budget less than $50,000. We desperately need the resources of our economically privileged community, but we also feel an obligation to speak truthfully about the oppression many of our youth members and other trans people are facing – as well as in solidarity with others with whom our liberation is bound up. We hope this response clarifies the TYSN Advisory Board’s position on this and Katie’s intentions in bringing these issues to the community assembled at the NCOD luncheon. If you would like to meet with representatives of the Advisory Board so we can address more specific concerns you may have, please don’t hesitate to contact the Advisory Board at tysnadvisoryboard@gmail.com

Sincerely,

The TYSN Advisory Board

Roxanne Anderson
Myrl Beam
Kelly Brazil
Lex Horan

Julian Siwek
NeeCee Taylor
Riley Neshiem-Case
Adrienne Pabst
Rehema Caitlin
Jesse Francis Valentin
Jay Masika
Raquel (Rocki) Simões
Enzi Urimba Odongo Tanner
Owen Marciano

2011-07-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

COMMUNITY DEMANDS: “DROP THE CHARGES AGAINST CHRISHAUN MCDONALD”
RALLY CALLS FOR AN END TO VIOLENCE AGAINST TRANSGENDER WOMEN OF COLOR

Minneapolis, MN – Community members rallied outside the Hennepin County District Court this morning after packing the courtroom at Chrishaun McDonald’s court appearance. After a powerful rally at McDonald's last pre-trial hearing on June 28, family, friends and community supporters have continued to spread the word about her case. Today’s crowd included more than 50 of Ms. McDonald’s close family and friends, members of local LGBTQ organizations and many new supporters who have heard about her case through community meetings and fundraisers.

Chrishaun McDonald is a young African American transgender woman who was attacked by a group of white adults while walking by the Schooner Tavern on Lake Street in South Minneapolis, early on the morning of June 5. Patrons of the bar attacked Ms. McDonald and her friends with transphobic and racist slurs and bashed Ms. McDonald’s face with a glass beer mug. Although Ms. McDonald was the target of a hate crime, she was singled out and charged with second degree murder after one of the attackers was killed. After her arrest, she was held for a month in solitary confinement for her “protection,” despite her requests to be moved to another part of the jail.

Speakers at today’s rally emphasized that Ms. McDonald’s case takes place in a broader atmosphere of violence against transgender women of color. “The painful reality is that the expectation of violence is constant for many transgender women of color. That violence takes place within families, on the streets, in the workplace, in schools and in jails and prisons,” noted Katie Burgess, Executive Director of the Trans Youth Support Network. In a national survey of trans people, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force found that 38% of African American respondents experienced police harassment, 15% reported being physically assaulted by the police, and 7% reported being sexually assaulted by the police.

McDonald's supporters have demanded that the charges against her be dropped immediately. Burgess explained, “We know that Chrishaun cannot receive a fair trial by a jury of her peers: because of transphobia and racism, the deck is stacked against her. Given the discrimination, harassment, abuse and violence that Chrishaun and so many other transgender women of color face every day, we see that the only resolution to this case is to release her back to her family and friends. It is clear that she can never be safe while housed in a prison or jail. Her family wants her back home.”
In a recent communication to her supporters, Ms. McDonald said, “This kind of love gives me inspiration and keeps me motivated to fight for myself and those who have been in my shoes, and for future generations. I believe this one incident is going to open the eyes of many and show people what…the GLBTQ community has to go through.”

For more information, visit http://www.supportcece.wordpress.com or email mpls4cece@gmail.com. Also, visit the Facebook page.

2011-06-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

Community Rallies Around Chrishaun Mcdonald to Find Solutions to Violence Against Trans Women of Color

Court hearing is continued to July 11

Minneapolis, MN – Over fifty community members, friends, and family gathered in solidarity with Chrishaun Mcdonald, whose hearing in Hennepin County District Court was set for June 28^th but was continued to July 11^th. After packing the District courtroom, advocates called for a fair trial for Ms. Mcdonald at a press conference held outside the Government Center. Reporters were present from Kare 11 News, KSTP 5 Eyewitness News, The Star Tribune, The Minnesota Independent, City Pages, Colu.mn, and Lavender Magazine.

Ms. Mcdonald is an African American transgender woman who was attacked by a group of white adults while walking by the Schooner Tavern on Lake Street in South Minneapolis, early on the morning of June 5^th. Patrons of the bar attacked Ms. Mcdonald and her friends with transphobic and racist slurs and bashed Ms. Mcdonald’s face with a glass beer mug. Despite the fact that Ms. Mcdonald was the victim of the hate crime and multiple people were involved in the altercation that led to the death of one of her attackers, only Ms. Mcdonald was charged. She is currently being held in solitary confinement for her “protection,” despite her requests to be moved to general population.

Calling for an end to violence against transgender women, advocates declared a need for fair trials and fair treatment under the law when hate crimes occur. Ms. Mcdonald’s experience with violence is far too common. Transgender women of color are murdered at a rate 16 times the national average; this is more than one murder per month nation-wide. On June 26^th, around noon in North Minneapolis, yet another young African American/Puerto Rican transgender woman was attacked with a brick by a group of other African American youth.

Advocates called on judicial officials and correctional officers to respect Ms. Mcdonald as a transgender woman, give her access to necessary health care, and allow her to be housed in general population instead of solitary confinement. They called on the District Court to use correct (female) pronouns for Ms. Mcdonald, following suit with written opinions of the Minnesota Supreme Court and Minnesota appellate courts (see Goins v. W. Group, 635 N.W.2d 717 (Minn. 2001); Doe v. City of Minneapolis, No. C2-02-817 (Minn. Ct. App. December 17, 2002)).

Community members pledged to remain steadfast in their support for Mcdonald throughout the trial process. David Tomilson, friend of Ms. Mcdonald, announced, “We’re going to be here July 11, and we’re going to bring friends.”

Advocates urged anyone who wants to get involved to attend ongoing community meetings. For more information, visit http://supportcece.wordpress.com/. Paypal donations are also accepted at the website. Supporters are fundraising Ms. Mcdonald’s $150,000 bail.

Hate crimes tear communities apart and produce conflict in our neighborhoods. “We are here because we are all potentially victims of hate crimes,” Katie Burgess, executive director of the Trans Youth Support Network stated, “and we all deserve fair treatment under the law.”

2011-06-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

TRANSGENDER WOMAN CITES SELF-DEFENSE IN ALTERCATION

ADVOCATES POINT TO DISPROPORTIONATE INCARCERATION OF
TRANSGENDER WOMEN OF COLOR

Minneapolis, MN –Early on the morning of June 5th, outside the Schooner Tavern on Lake Street, Chrishaun McDonald was verbally assaulted with racial slurs, sexual harassment, and transphobic and sexist attacks. When a larger brawl ensued, Ms. McDonald was hit in the face with a bottle. Her attacker ended up dead, and Ms. McDonald was taken to jail where she remains in solitary confinement. She has been charged with second degree murder. Ms. McDonald maintains her innocence, citing self-defense: “They were the ones who attacked us. It was evil what they called us.”
Ms. McDonald is a transgender woman. In the weeks since June 5th, media coverage and prosecutors have consistently referred to Ms. McDonald with incorrect (male) pronouns. Because Ms. McDonald is being held in a gender-segregated jail, the potential for abuse and mistreatment is high. In a phone interview from jail, Ms. McDonald described the treatment she’s receiving in solitary confinement: “They’ve got me in the hole, and they're not giving me proper healthcare.”

According to Katie Burgess, Executive Director of the Trans Youth Support Network and a friend of Ms. McDonald’s, “Chrishaun McDonald’s case is a tragedy, but unfortunately it’s not a rarity. Transgender women of color face disproportionate levels of violence and harassment, and are pulled into prisons and jails at extremely high rates. Over 30% of trans women of color are incarcerated every year. Once in prison or jail, 38% are harassed, 15% are physically assaulted, and 7% are sexually assaulted. These violent abuses are enacted upon them by guards and fellow prisoners. Although none of us knows all the details about what happened on June 5th, we do know that the deck is stacked against Ms. McDonald, and we ask concerned community members to support her in her trial.”

Friends who have spoken with Ms. McDonald say she remains hopeful and committed to fighting for justice in her case. But she has deep concerns that because she is a transgender woman of color she is unlikely to receive a fair trial with a jury of her peers, especially because she doesn’t have the funds to hire her own legal counsel. When asked about her trial, Ms. McDonald said, “Everybody should just be treated like human beings, no matter who they are.”

Please join us in packing the courtroom in solidarity of Cece tomorrow:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=208660435845166

Please join us for a Community Meeting of family, friends, and supporters for Wednesday at noon:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=226197957401096

Please donate and keep up to date at http://supportcece.wordpress.com/

Monthly Sustainer Program

2011-05-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

As a small community organization with a big social justice mission, TYSN relies heavily on the donations of generous community members such as yourself.

Your charitable, tax-deductible contributions help us afford rent at our community space, stipends, food, and transportation assistance for our Youth Members, and much needed outreach materials. We pay TYSN Youth Members $50 every time they speak or facilitate a training at a local organization. This is our very small attempt at offsetting the lack of employment opportunities for trans and gender non-conforming youth in our community. It not only builds leadership and organizing skills among our Youth Members, but it builds their resumes and bank accounts as well.

Now you can ensure your donations have a lasting effect with our Monthly Sustainer Program. Click an option in the right hand column, above the "Subscribe" button, to set up your automatic monthly donation. You can set your monthly donation at a level that is affordable to you - as little as $5/month, or as much as $30/month - and know that you will continue to be the sustaining foundation of TYSN.

Thank you for all the ways that you support our community.

New Executive Director Hired

2011-04-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

It is with great excitement, honor and pride that we announce the hiring of Katie Burges as the new Executive Director of the Trans Youth Support Network (TYSN)

Katie served as TYSN’s Transitional Director from October 2010 until her hire mid April 2011. During this time, the hiring committee screened several candidates. This hiring committee consisted of 6 community members of various ages and genders who are from a variety of racial and socio-economic backgrounds. The committee came to the conclusion that Katie holds many of the qualities that the hiring committee and youth members’ value. The committee is confident that Katie’s skills, knowledge, and experience will lend to her ability to be a strong leader within TYSN. Katie will lead with TYSN’s youth members to ensure that trans and gender non-conforming youth, especially young trans women of color, will continue to move to the center of the vision and mission of TYSN.

Please come celebrate with us:

TYSN Has a New Mommy

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204805292892953

BBQ Potluck

Sunday, May 8th

1-5 p.m.

3405 Chicago Avenue South

Thank you for all your support,

The Hiring Committee

Adrienne, Kelly, Ali, ReRe, Enzi and Rhys

With a special thanks to Ani for their help in this process

2011-04-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

Call of Cthulu or Croquet Cookout

WHEN: Friday, April 15th from 5:30-8:30pm

WHERE: TYSN (3405 Chicago Avenue South, MPLS)

In honor of Day of Silence / Night of Noise this months Ultra Hardcore Unicorn Game Night will be:

A fun night for youth members and allies to get together and barbecue, play croquet, start a Call of Cthulhu game, (for all us nerds) and be fantastic!!!

This event is for TYSN Youth Members and other GLBTQ youth allies. Bring your GSA!

Q-Quest Youth Fest!

2011-03-12T15:11:00.000-08:00

The 6th Annual Q-Quest Youth Fest!

A Conference Exploring and Celebrating the Voices of Minnesota LGBTQ & Allied Youth!

Sponsored by the Minnesota School OUTreach Coalition

DATE: Friday, March 18th, 2011

TIME: 11:30 am– 9:00 pm

LOCATION: Webster Complex

425 Fifth Street NE

Minneapolis, MN 55413

Please visit this link to register.

Who should come? Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersexed youth and straight allies ages 18 and under. (Youth aged 19-21 are also invited to join the event and share their experiences, but the conference focuses on high school aged students

and youth.) We warmly welcome GSA advisors or other school staff and parent volunteers to attend as chaperones and to attend our NEW Adult Ally Track!

What’s It Gonna Cost Me? The entire event is free, including workshops, lunch, dinner, and entertainment.

Who’s Running This Show? The Minnesota School OUTreach Coalition, a coalition of Minnesota students, educators, families, community members and organizations working within the broad context of schools to address the issues of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people. Learn more at here.

How Do I Sign Up? Every participant (including all adult chaperones and volunteers) must fill out a registration form online.

How Am I Gonna Get There? Some transportation is available. Please contact Jessi Tebben at jessi.tebben@mpls.k12.mn.us for more information regarding transportation. Students can also come in individual vehicles and park in the Webster parking lot (ample free parking).

What should I bring? Bring a positive attitude and the willingness to network with other youth! Please do not bring any valuables, weapons, drugs, tobacco or alcohol.

Want To Volunteer?

Contact Christina Davis at

CDavis@thefamilypartnership.org

For general questions, please contact:

Jessi Tebben at Jessi.Tebben@mpls.k12.mn.us

TransSlamMania is Happening Sat, March 19!

2011-03-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

TransSlamMania!

On the 19th of March TYSN and the University of Minnesota Slam Poetry Team are teaming up for a collaborative fundraiser and collaborative show. Will take place from 7p-10p at The Space 3405 Chicago Ave S.

Please join us in raising money to fight transphobia and also to help the nationally ranked (3rd in the nation) U of M poetry slam team raise money to return to nationals in April to fight it out for a national title!

Performances by:
- Andrea Jenkins
- Enzi Tanner
- Banshee
- Fabulous TYSN Youth Members
& More

Featuring:
Nationally ranked University of Minnesota Poetry Slam team!

*5 dollar suggested donation

Bake sale
chapbooks (small books of poems) available for purchase

Tell your neighbors, tell your friends, tell your neighbors' friends and come out and enjoy an event full of love, expression and winning attitudes!

Youth Membership Gathering Sat, March 19th

2011-03-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

Youth Member Gathering!

Happening: Sat, March 19th 5p-630p at The Space (3405 Chicago Ave S)

This one is for the Youth Members ONLY.

Not a TYSN Youth Member? You can still help by cooking food for the event, and by spreading the word.

If you are interested in cooking, please send an email to transyouthsupportnetwork@gmail.com

This round, we're knocking out:
- Youth Member Orientation
- Trans Feminine Safer Space Night (needs a name)
- Facebook Group / Communication Issues
- Transportation Assistance (gas cards)
- Panel/Training Compensation
- Meeting Facilitation
- i dunno...maybe we'll play that picture/word game again...that was cool...
- i hope there's cookies again.

BUS TOKENS AVAILABLE FOR ALL YOUTH MEMBERS

Also, check out the Facebook event.

Oh, and follow us on Twitter.

Call for TransSlamMania Artists!

2011-03-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

CALL FOR ARTISTS

SEEKING TRANS AND GENDER NON-CONFORMING SPOKEN WORD, SLAM POETRY, AND HIP HOP ARTISTS

TYSN and the U of M Slam Poetry Team combine to form:

TransSlamMania!

An evening of epic slam poetryness

to benefit TYSN and the U of M Slam Poetry Team

TransSlamMania will dominate your world on March 19th at 7:00PM

If you want to perform, you have until March 12th to email TYSN at:

transyouthsupportnetwork@gmail.com

Check out the Call for Artists Facebook event!

Take a chance. Have some fun.

2011-01-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

The 23rd National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change is coming to beautiful Mineapolis, Minnesota and the Hilton Minneapolis, February 2-6, 2011!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

If you live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, help make this event accessible and affordable by housing a visiting social justice activist!

Housing is often the largest setback for traveling activists, so our goal is to provide housing for at least 50 conference attendees this Creating Change 2011. PLEASE help us create a safe and affordable experience for visiting LGBT activists that will be in our fabulous cities this February!

To find the housing application, please visit the website at www.creatingchange.org dropdown "Where to Stay: Housing," where you will find more information about hosting a fellow social justice advocate for The National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change this February 2-6, 2011.

TYSN Youth Membership Gathering

2010-12-28T06:52:00.000-08:00

Youth Member Gathering

When: Saturday, January 8th at 5:00PM

Where: TYSN (3405 Chicago Avenue South Minneapolis)

We have got to figure out this Drop-In / Open Social Hours business and make some plans for what we're organizing this winter. Resource Gathering, Dances and Parties, Stipends and Transportation Assistance, Spa Day, Drag Shows. Those are just a few of the things we need to hammer out. More than anything though, we need to figure out the details for how to get this place to have some real OPEN HOURS. Mostly we just need to have a conversation about who is going to staff the place, and what they are responsible for. And I want to party this winter. So, we need to have some EVENTS happening. What do you think? Let's do this. I'll provide some good eats and drink and we can figure this stuff out for real. The holidays and everything are all upon us, so what do you think about waiting until Saturday, January 8th? 5PM? Here at TYSN (3405 Chicago Ave. S. MPLS)? Gonna be soooooo good.

TYSN Advisory Board Meeting Tonight!

2010-12-28T06:45:00.000-08:00

HELLO TYSN COMMUNITY!

If you have been wondering how to become more involved in TYSN, come to tonight's advisory board meeting!

When? Tuesday, December 28th; 5:30-7:30pm
Where? 3405 Chicago Avenue South, Mpls

Come share your ideas or just learn more about what's going on with TYSN!

We hope to see you there!

Bread of Life Church Christmas Celebration

2010-12-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

FREE FOOD!

Turkey Dinner including: Mac & Cheese, Corn Bread Dressing, Vegetables, Beverages and LOTS of Desserts!
A free bag of groceries to take with you
Free bag of meat

Who: Anyone
When: Friday, December 24, 2010
From: 5pm-7pm
Where: Bread of Life Church: 2942 Oakland Ave S.
Cost: Everything is Free

Questions: Call 651-226-8013 or 952-292-3018

FREE FOOD & MEATS!

Envelope Stuffing Party!

2010-11-30T04:11:00.000-08:00

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

PLEASE come and help TYSN send out its thank you's to our supporters. We love our volunteers! TYSN would not exist without you!

We are having two envelope stuffing parties with wine and cheese on Friday, and friends and music on Saturday.

There will be two rounds of this exciting event:

ROUND 1: Friday, December 3, 7:00pm

ROUND 2: Saturday, December 4, 12:00pm

Both fabulous groups of volunteers and supporters will be rocking these parties at TYSN's new space:

3405 Chicago Avenue South, Mpls

Be there--you don't want to miss out on this excellent Unicorn Room get-together :)

Open Community Advisory Board Meetings

2010-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

HELLO BEAUTIFUL TYSN COMMUNITY!

In order to become more transparent and to increase our numbers on the advisory board of TYSN,

We are opening all advisory board meetings to the public.

If you are interested in becoming more involved, or just to learn more about TYSN...

...COME TO THE NEXT BOARD MEETING!

When: Tuesday, November 23:
5:30-7:30pm

Where: New TYSN Space:
3405 Chicago Avenue South (on the MTC 5 Bus)

Can't make it this time? TYSN's advisory board meetings happen once a month on every fourth Tuesday of the month from 5:30-7:30pm at TYSN (3405 Chicago Avenue South). So come to the next one!

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010
Tuesday, January 25th, 2011
(and so on and so forth...)

Questions? Contact Katie Burgess at transyouthsupportnetwork@gmail.com

Youth Membership Gathering

2010-11-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

ARE YOU A TRANSGENDER YOUTH?

Come to this month's Youth Membership Gathering (a.k.a. "Get Your Youth On")!
We want to hear YOUR IDEAS about how to use the resources available to you from TYSN, including money for stipends, transportation, food, and (most recently) space!
Come share your ideas, hang out with other trans youth, or just come to enjoy the free food and comfy new space!

WHEN? Saturday, November 20th from 5-6:30

WHERE? TYSN's new home: 3405 Chicago Avenue, Mpls

The gathering will be held before the Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil (7-9 at Spirit of the Lakes/Minnehaha UCC Church: 4001 38th Avenue South, Mpls)--to which all youth at the gathering are welcome to join us when we shuttle to the event. Immediately after the TDOR Vigil, we will shuttle back to the new space to attend the TYSN / RARE Productions / MN Trans Health Coalition Open House from 9pm-12am for more free food, networking, and community building in celebration of TYSN's continued growth and success supporting trans youth in the metro area!

*The new space is a collaboration with RARE Productions and the MN Trans Health Coalition.

2010: TYSN's Space Odyssey

2010-11-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Hello beautiful TYSN Community! WELCOME HOME!

We have acquired our first official space! We will be roommates with RARE Productions (http://www.rareproductionsmpls.com/) and the Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition (http://www.mntranshealth.org/) at 3405 Chicago Avenue South.

This is the building where MN Trans Health coalition's Shot Clinic office is already located. They will be expanding into the new space so they can have more room to maneuver with their growing Transgender Support Group (2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm), Hep C and HIV Testing, Syringe Exchange, and more. RARE Productions will be using the space as an art gallery for LGBTQ Artists of Color and allies. And we will all finally have an office to call our own - where we can organize, have meetings, hang out, eat together, share resources, get warm, and so much more.

The new space needs LOTS of love, paint, and furniture. Below is the official call for donations from MN Trans Health Coalition.

MTHC Donation Call
Clinic Supplies
Spot Band-Aids, Alcohol Wipes, Sharps Containers, Lunch Bags, Snack Baggies, Latex Gloves, Gauze Squares 2" x 2"
Office Supplies
Copy paper, Printer Ink, Recycling Bins, Pamphlet Wall Organizer, File Folders, Address Labels, Two-Drawer Filing Cabinets, New Computer, New Printer, New Copier
Furniture for New Space
3 Small Desks, Office Chairs, 3 Small Round Tables, Couches, Stuffed Chairs, Area Rugs, Standing Lamps, Cubical Walls, Tall Book Shelves, White Wall Paint, Paint Rollers, Drop Cloths, Bulletin Boards
CPR Masks, Bus Passes, $5-$10 Gift Cards @ SA, Subway, Rainbow/Cub Foods, etc.
Snacks & Travel Sized Toiletries, Feminine Hygiene Products - for outreach workers

We also need all hands on deck for our VOLUNTEER WORK DAYS --
Every Saturday from 1:00-5:00pm, starting Saturday, November 13th. We'll be painting, organizing, and otherwise loving the place up! This is a great way to get involved early if you have any ideas for what kind of things you want to see the space be used for. Want to make sure the hang out area is comfy? Come arrange the couches with us. Want to make sure there's space for your bike? Come make some. Want to make sure nobody feels left out? Bring your whole posse.

And there are other ways to have input on how this space gets used too:

If you're a trans youth and want to get involved, please come to the TYSN Youth Member Gathering on Saturday, November 20th from 5:00-7:00pm. We'll be eating yummy food, hanging out, and talking about what we want to do with the space, and the evolving stipend/professional development program.

We'll then be caravaning over to the Transgender Day of Remembrance Ceremony at Spirit of the Lakes/Minnehaha United Church of Christ (4002 38th Avenue South) from 7:00-9:00pm. The ceremony will include reading the names of transgendered individuals who died this year because of transphobic violence.

And then, for the grand finale, we'll be having an Open House at our new space (3405 Chicago Avenue South) from 9:00-11:00pm. There will be more delicious food, music, and art. This is a great time to see the space, meet everyone involved in the project, give your input, and hang out with some fierce folks.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved with, supported, and/or been connected to TYSN in any way! We are excited about the success of TYSN and the birth of this space and look forward to what we can all do together in the future in our fabulous community!

Queer Art Exhibition

2010-11-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

When? Wednesday, December 1 at 4:30

*All submissions are due no later than Wednesday, November 24th.

Qualifiers: Are you LGBTIQQ? Do you make artwork that you want to show to the world?

Then submit your work to this event!

For more information or to submit work, contact:

Charlotte Bernsohn

cbernsoh@macalester.edu or (847) 271-3323

Queer Kicks!

2010-10-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

TYSN, Avenues' GLBT Host Home Program, & Out4Good Present:

QUEER KICKS!

When? Thursday, November 4th, 4-7pm

Where? Webster Open School Gym

425 5th St NE, Minneapolis

Come play kickball with other LGBTQA young people! Meet other queer and allied youth, cheer people on, and show your skills at this kickball extravaganza!!

TYSN Halloween Party!!!

2010-10-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

This month for the Youth Membership Gathering, come celebrate Halloween with free food and awesome people!

When?

Saturday, October 30th 1-3pm

Where?

The Shot Clinic

3405 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis

Questions? Contact Angie at bran0901@stcloudstate.edu

Ryan Li's Going Away Party!

2010-09-29T00:34:00.000-07:00

Ryan Li's Going Away Party

When: Friday, October 1st from 5:00PM to 8:00PM

Where: Powderhorn Park Building (3400 15th Avenue South)

What: Come help celebrate the sad departure of our beloved Director, Ryan Li and help welcome our Transitional Director Katie.

This is a moment in TYSN history to be duly noted and remembered. Please join us in celebrating the amazing amazingness that Ryan Li has brought to TYSN over the years.

Potluck! Bring something yummy!

TYSN Retreat

2010-08-24T16:39:00.001-07:00

Are you a young person who wants to be more active in social justice work and creating change in local communities?

Are you a young queer or trans person seeking to be more involved and build community?
Have you attended a TYSN potluck or community event?
Participated in a TYSN panel, workshop, or training?
Attended a youth membership gathering?
Joined a work group?
Wondered how you could get more involved with TYSN?
Want to learn more about the work and values of TYSN?
Want to help dream and vision the future for TYSN and local trans youth communities?

If any or all of these apply, please join us for the TYSN retreat, Sunday September 12 @ 10-6pm @ Location TBA. Food will be provided. We can assist with transportation.

We hope to build relationships, reflect on the last year, and envision the year ahead. We'd like as many young people to participate in this envisioning process as possible, but the retreat is open to people of all ages who are connected and committed to the work of TYSN.

Email transyouthsupportnetwork@gmail.com or call 612-875-8164 with questions.

P.S. We recognize and honor that this is the same weekend as Black Pride. We were not able to find another date during the month of September that worked for the majority of our volunteers, Board members, and staff. We stand in solidarity with the work of Black Pride and apologize for the conflict in scheduling.

2010-07-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

TYSN Network Collaborative Meeting

When: Wednesday, August 18th from Noon to 2PM
Where: Sabathani Community Center-Meeting Room J (310 East 38th Street)

Join us for brown bag lunch discussion, reflection and celebration on the past year, as well as some visioning for the future! We will break into groups by service sector area: housing, health care, and community/advocacy to address specific goals, needs, and barriers that we face in supporting trans youth. Groups will work to identify ways to further collaborate and support one another as we head into our second year as a network collaborative.

2010-07-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

National Youth Organizing Training Institute

SOUL - School of Unity & Liberation

NATIONAL YOUTH ORGANIZING TRAINING INSTITUTE

October 14, 15, 16, 2010
Oakland, CA

The INSTITUTE 2010 is a 3-day national training for young organizers, young member leaders, and youth organizers from across the country.

Participants will come together to build their skills, exchange lessons learned, and strategize to fight to win justice for our communities. We'll develop a solid and systematic orientation to the fundamentals of organizing, including base-building, campaigns, and leadership development work. Rooted in current youth struggles, the INSTITUTE will provide a unique space for emerging leaders to engage with the challenges and opportunities of the current moment, to advance our organizations and to build a stronger movement.

Space for the Insititute is limited, and fees are determined on a sliding scale, based on organizational budget.

Download the application and flyer using the links above. Please note that completed applications are due to SOUL no later than August 15, 2010.

For more information, please email us at nyoti@schoolofunityandliberation.org

2010-07-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

TYSN's Second (Tr)annual Community Potluck

WHEN: Sunday, July 25th from 3PM to 7PM
WHERE: Powderhorn Park (corner of 14th Ave. S. & 32nd St)

It's been a whole year of building community through events and potlucks such as these! Come celebrate our Traniversary as a radical community committed to having fun, eating food together, and annihilating all obstacles in the way of young transgender people finding justice in this world. Have a hot dog. Play some volleyball. Sing some karaoke. Rise up.

2010-04-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

"It's here again! This is the 41st year that the Queer Student Cultural Center has been at the University of Minnesota, and once again, we bring you a smashing program to celebrate Spring Pride. Please check out our facebook page for other events.

Our kick-off event features a delicious dinner by Chowgirls, and entertainment by Laura Klinkert and Girls Re-Mixed. Everything is FREE.

The QSCC Spring Pride committee decided that we would like this event to be a benefit for The Trans Youth Support Network. Bring money to donate to TYSN and find out more about the great work that they do.

After dinner, let's all put our dancing shoes on, for it is time for SALSA lessons. :) Join us as two teachers from the Four Seasons Dance Studio create an atmosphere in the Mississippi Room where we can feel comfortable dancing with people of any gender identity. Let's shake our hair-clips loose and shake the booty! A shout out to QGPA for helping plan the program. Woo!"

TYSN Spring Roll Community Event

2010-03-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

TYSN Spring Roll Community Event
WHERE: 3316 18th Ave. S., MPLS

WHEN: Sunday, April 25th from 5PM to 8PM

WHAT: It's Spring! Come whet your appetite for a summer of amazing community organizing with TYSN. Bring beverages and roll up food: egg rolls, spring rolls, lettuce wraps, crepes, hot dogs, burritos, hot pockets, dumplings, turnovers...boi are we on a roll! Some drinks, food, and games will be provided. And it's totally free! Call Katie at (612) 363-7574 for more information.

TYSN Youth Membershipt Gathering

2010-03-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

Youth Membership Gathering

WHEN: Saturday, March 20th from 3PM to 5PM
WHERE: Youthlink/Project Offstreets (41 N. 12th Street, MPLS)
WHAT: Come make some new friends, hang out, share resources, and build community with other young trans people!

FIERCE Releases National Report on LGBTQ Youth Organizng

2010-02-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

Please read and spread the word about this exciting new publication! We're hoping to use this to inform and improve local youth organizing efforts and development. TYSN will be connecting with FIERCE at Creating Change to discuss further.

-Ryan Li

Coming Out, Stepping Up: Organizing to build the power of LGBTQ youth

The Brown Boi Project

2010-02-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

The Brown Boi Project

To apply follow this link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X98F6TZ

The Brown Boi Project is a leadership development and organizing project for young (35 and under) masculine of center womyn, trans men, and straight men of color to build collective power within their communities—pipelining them into the social justice movement. (‘masculine of center’ is a term that recognizes the breadth and depth of identity for lesbian/queer/ womyn who tilt toward the masculine side of the gender scale and includes a wide range of identities such as butch, stud, aggressive, AG, dom, etc.)

During the 5-day training retreat participants will have the opportunity to work across issues and communities, talk about race, class, culture, gender and sexuality, and explore whether the social justice sector might be the right place to help their community. These retreats bring participants from across the country to experience an intensive introduction to community organizing while doing important personal leadership development.

We’re looking for people who are interested in a new path or career that builds power for communities of color. You will receive training in understanding power, communications, cross culture coalition building, personal finance, community organizing, conflict resolution, fundraising, relationship building, gender justice, and personal life planning. The program is open to participants from around the country and if you are selected your travel, lodging, and food will be covered to attend the retreat in Oakland, CA from March 17^th-21^st.

Network Collaborative Meeting

2010-02-01T09:20:00.001-08:00

Network Collaborative Meeting

WHEN:
Wednesday, February 17th at Noon-2pm

WHERE: The Bridge for Youth (2200 Emerson Ave. S. Minneapolis)

The topic of discussion will be PAPERWORK! **Please bring examples of paperwork (intake forms, brochures, etc...) that describe your organization, services, and/or programs.** We'd like to use examples of how everyone can make concrete changes to provide more trans accessible language/paperwork. If you've recently made changes, please bring both the old and new copies.

Planning to attend? PLEASE RSVP to Katie Burgess (katie.darling.burgess@gmail.com) so we can have a better sense of numbers. Also, if you are able to donate food (individually or as an organization), please let us know. Email Katie Burgess at katie.darling.burgess@gmail.com with any food donations.

Trans Youth Meeting and Movie

2010-01-06T11:26:00.001-08:00

Trans Youth Meeting and Movie

When: Saturday, January 16th from 3PM to 5PM
Where: RECLAIM! (3217 Hennepin Ave South, Suites 2&3)

Come make some new friends, hang out, share resources, and watch the amazing movie, Beautiful Boxer.

Game Night and Vegan Dinner

2010-01-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

Game Night and Vegan Dinner

When: Sunday, January 31st from 5PM to 9PM
Where: 2929 3rd Ave. S., MPLS

Come join us for a night of friendship, fun, and community building! Bring your favorite games (cards, dominoes, board games, Catch Phrase, or whatever) Fabulous vegan food will be provided!

TYSN House Party!

2009-12-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

TYSN is having a fundraiser party

WHEN: 7:00 PM - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12TH

WHERE: 2528 35TH AVE. S., MPLS.

CALL: 612.845.1607 WITH ANY QUESTIONS

Help us take a fabulous caravan of fierceness down to the Creating Change conference, in Dallas, TX this February. Come eat, drink, and support our radical youth in bringing the Midwest hotness to this amazing conference produced by the National Gay and Lesbian TaskForce. (www.thetaskforce.org)

TYSN Youth Membership Meeting

2009-11-30T08:48:00.000-08:00

TYSN Youth Membership Meeting

This Saturday, December 5th

From Noon until 2PM

At St. Barnabas Apartments (906 7th Street South, MPLS)

Hang out, eat food, meet new people.

Network Collaborative Meeting

2009-11-02T21:52:00.001-08:00

TYSN Network Collaborative Meeting!

When: Wendsday, November 18th from Noon until 2PM

Where: Lutheran Social Services (2485 Como Avenue, St. Paul)

Come meet other people and organizations working to make a difference in our community. Make connections. Get resources. Find out where the hottest services are available. And eat delicious soup!

TYSN Youth Membershipt Meeting

2009-10-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

Come to TYSN's Youth Membership Meting!
Saturday, November 7th
from Noon until 2PM
at Youthlink (41 North 12th Street, MPLS)
FREE FOOD!

Why become a youth member? Why should you come?
-learn new information
-have a say in what's happening with youth services in the cities
-gather info and share resources
-meet new people
-build community and support
-have fun
-eat food
-get to know other people
-figure out what ...orgs, schools, other places are trying to make changes to benefit trans youth
-identify issues in communities
-help establish priorities for TYSN and hold youth services accountable

Youth Connect, October 5 @ 2-6pm

2009-10-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Youth Connect: Connecting Youth to Services
Monday, October 5, 2009
2-6 PM
Bag Lunch, Haircuts, Supply Room & Children’s Play Area On-site
St. Mary’s GOC
3450 Irving Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Employment Assistance
Job Counselors, Resume Help, Employment Agencies
Education
High School and Alternative School registration, College Admissions and Financial Aid,
GED/ABE Programs, Pregnancy/Parenting Education & After-School Activities
Housing
Emergency Shelters, Transitional Living Programs, Permanent Housing Options
Health Services
Youth-focused mental, chemical, sexual and physical health providers, dental clinic
and youth law services

Directions
By bus on Block E: Take 6 bus heading South on Hennepin. Exit on 35th St. W. and follow signs for 2 blocks. By light rail from the Mall of America: Take light rail headed towards downtown Mpls, exit Hennepin Ave. Catch 6 bus headed south on Hennepin, exit 35th St. W. and follow signs for 2 blocks.
This Collaborative Effort Is Brought To You By
Vail Place, Kulture Klub Collaborative, Streetworks, Freeport West, MPLS Public Schools, Lindquist, Department of Human Services, Youthlink,
HandsOn Twin Cities, Planned Parenthood, St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, The Bridge for Youth, Hope Street, The Link
Sponsorship Provided By: The Charlson Foundation, Fortyninehudson Design and St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church

MN GSA Network, October 6 @ 4pm

2009-10-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Are You Connected?
MN GSA Network!
We’ll bring snacks…
You bring you.

Do you have interest in……Networking with other Gay Straight Alliance…Making schools safe for all students (including GLBTQ students!)?…Working to affect policies that impact GLBTQ students and families?…Helping to plan GLBTQA youth events and opportunities (like dances, Q-Quest, Youth Pride, and Peer-education)? Then join the Minnesota School Outreach Coalition the second Tuesday of every month for a GSA Network Meeting followed by the bigger MSOC meeting!

Our first meeting will be next Tuesday, October 6th at 4:00 at Family and Children’s Services at 4123 E. Lake Street (see this link) http://www.everyfamilymatters.org/index.asp?Type=B_LOC&SEC=%7B683090FA-6B45-4A3C-B7BF-086917D3FBE9%7D

Let us know if you are interested! Whether you can make it to the meeting next week or want to come to future meetings, reply to this email and let us know your name, contact info, and school/organization.

2009-09-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

* *Please help us promote this wonderful and important workshop among your networks!* *

October 29, 2009
Beyond Terminology: Gender Inclusive Sex Education
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Webster Open Elementary School, 425 N 5th Street, Minneapolis

Transgender and gender non-conforming students are in every classroom and every community. Sexual health education is often tied to a binary understanding of gender, rendering transgender people invisible, perpetuating health disparities, and obscuring information that applies to everyone’s sexual health. Using gender inclusive strategies is essential in providing quality sex education. This training will help participants build gender competencies in sexual health education via a deep understanding of gender, curriculum adaptations, and the larger context of access and health disparities for trans youth.For more information and to register, see the flyer and event registration form (PDF). Click here to register online. Questions? Contact Jill Farris at 651-644-1447 x18 or jill@moappp.org.

Sponsored by Annex Teen Clinic, The Birds and Bees Project of Pro-Choice Resources, MOAPPP, Out4Good, Rainbow Health Initiative and Trans Youth Support Network.

TYSN/Host Home Community Potluck

2009-09-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

Come join us for TYSN's second Community Potluck, co-hosted by Avenue's GLBT Host Home Program. Share in the delicious potluck and barbecue. Savor the community.

WHEN: Sunday, September 27th from 4:00PM to 8:00PM

WHERE: Northeast Corner of Loring Park by the Dandelion Fountain (Yale Place at Willow Street) or at 2729 14th Avenue South if it rains.

Using the Arts as Tools of Social Analysis and Action in Popular Education and Organizing

2009-09-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

Joing TYSN in checking out this amazing opportunity to learn more about art in and as activism with outstanding local artists/activists! Click on the image to the left to see the whole flyer.

Podcasting Project opportunity for GLBTQA youth!

2009-09-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

"Check out this opportunity to learn about media, production and a chance to create podcasts.

This is an opportunity to get more youth voices heard"

Click here for the full flyer.

Thank You!

2009-09-04T10:02:00.001-07:00

A huge thank you to everybody who helped make our first Network Collaborative Meeting such a great success! Keep a look out for the second one, next quarter.