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How to support LGBTQ people after Pride Month
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Recognizing Pride long after Pride Month ends is vey important to Dr. Jenna Brownfield.
As a member for the LGBTQ+ community, the local therapist knows first hand that the journey of acceptance can be tough, but ultimately rewarding.
“I’m really happy to know, like coming out has been so worth it,” she said. “And I’m so thankful for being where I am now.”
She wants others to feel the love long after the calendar flips to July.
If you have a queer family member or friend, what can you do to show your support?
“Have realistic optimism and hope for your LGBTQ loved ones. Instead of just veering into maybe some toxic positivity – ‘It’s so great, it’s always gonna be great, there’s nothing to worry about,'” Brownfield said. “The reality is there are things to worry about and there are challenges LGBTQ loved ones face.”
Brownfield said those challenges are on another level in 2024.
“Every four years or any election where there’s LGBT identities being politicized, the anti-LGBT signs and rhetoric gets amplified,” she said. “And so being able to amplify your support and affirmation whether through signs or words can mean a lot.”
She also has advice for supporting those who decided to come out and live in their truth in June.
“I would say support them, continue to let them call the shots on what makes sense for them. They may feel at certain times ‘I’m not able to be as out as I want to be at this point,'” Brownfield said. “[Don’t] push them…let them trust themselves and their decision making. Let them know you’re going to be there for them.
For many people part of the LGBTQ community, Pride doesn’t end after the month comes to a close. Brownfield said to not be afraid to show your true colors all year round.
“I would say let yourself celebrate anytime and every time you want to. That doesn’t have to be only during Pride Month only during the month of June. That there’s so much to gain from being able to celebrate who you are.”
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The road closure is expected to last until about 11:30 p.m. tonight, according to MnDOT.
MINNETONKA, Minn. — Officials have closed the westbound lanes of US Highway 12 starting at I-494 in Minnetonka after a collision occurred on Saturday night.
According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s 511 Map, the road is closed and there was a “serious crash,” on the highway.
The road closure is expected to last until about 11:30 p.m. tonight, according to MnDOT.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
“It’s amazing how well and good the people are helping out,” volunteer Connie Guinn said.
ELK PARK, N.C. — It’s still difficult for Mike Ellenburg to see the damage Helene left in Elk Park, North Carolina.
“Never in my lifetime, no I have not,” Ellenburg, Fire Chief at the Elk Park Volunteer Fire Department, said. “We had to bring in heavy equipment and open the road up.”
The storm left homes destroyed, trees toppled and cars flipped. It’s left roads near rivers and creeks nearby unrecognizable.
“Used to be a paved road, houses on both sides,” he said. “They’re gone.”
“You’ll see some vehicles down here that are sideways, and they’ll have spray paint on ’em,” Ellenburg continued. “Marking that that vehicle has been checked and that nobody was inside of it or around it.”
Ellenburg says he believes there are four areas around Elk Park in a similar state, damaged and difficult to get into. Despite that, help is still coming, both from the town and the rest of the state.
“We’re just trying to get it organized,” Connie Guinn, a volunteer said, standing in front of pallets of food and water. “Because we can’t find nothing, and neither can anybody else.”
Donations have continued to arrive at the Elk Park Volunteer Fire Department. Ellenburg says some have even come from around the country.
Other agencies, like the Dallas, North Carolina volunteer fire department, have also arrived to help where they can.
“It’s amazing how well and good the people are helping out,” Guinn said.
Ellenburg says it will take time to rebuild their community, but it’s made easier to get through with neighbors like theirs.
“I would only say that I don’t want to live anywhere else but here in Avery County, North Carolina,” he said.
The marathon was canceled because of the heat last year.
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Thousands gathered at the Capitol to join in on the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend festivities.
Among them were Noah and Madeline Bleeker, running with their parents at the KARE 11 Family Mile. Noah in particular was rather excited.
“I’m super fast,” he said.
His sister, not so much.
“I just don’t like the part when you get really sweaty,” said Madeline. “I just don’t like that part.”
Either way, they are certainly happy for the weather this year.
Craig Fiedler signed up for his first marathon last year. He flipped through photos on his phone capturing the chaotic day.
“Here I am in the morning with a cup of coffee ready to go,” he smiled. “Then at 5:30 in the morning, I got the email it had been canceled.”
He decided to run it anyway, but he’s excited to cross the finish line this year officially.
“It will be a victory lap,” he said.
Dean Orton is the president of Twin Cities in Motion, the organization behind the marathon. He’s predicting great running conditions.
“It’s great to see it all come together,” he said.
The marathon begins at 8 p.m. tomorrow.
