Free 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Drop-In - Minneapolis | QUEERSPACE

QUEERSPACE collective is a Minnesota nonprofit creating space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to feel safe and empowered to be their true selves. Founded in 2021, it has grown into a holistic organization offering one-to-one youth mentorship, group programming, inclusivity training, and a dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ youth drop-in center in Minneapolis. Its vision is that every 2SLGBTQIA+ young person has a network of support to help them build pride in who they are, where they come from, and where they want to go.

What to Expect

The organization runs several distinct tracks. One-to-one mentorship matches youth with adult mentors — more than 110 mentor and mentee matches have been made to date, and youth describe the value in ordinary terms: a chance to talk about shared interests and what is going on in their lives. The Twin Cities Youth Center offers drop-in programming, support groups, social events, and workshops. Separate programming exists for 18–24 year olds, whose needs differ from those of teenagers, and QUEERSPACE also runs programming in St. Cloud so the offering is not Twin Cities only. Youth workshops and a resource library round out the youth programs. Current drop-in hours, group schedules, and event listings are posted on the QUEERSPACE website.

Who This Group Is For

2SLGBTQIA+ young people in Minnesota, with dedicated tracks for youth, for the 18–24 age range, and for families — more than 150 families have been supported. The St. Cloud programming matters for young people outside the metro, who often have the fewest options and the longest distance to the nearest affirming space.

Why Peer Support Works

For a 2SLGBTQIA+ young person, whether there is one affirming adult or peer group in reach is not a small detail — it shapes how the rest of adolescence goes. Many queer and trans youth spend their days managing how much of themselves to show, at school and sometimes at home, and that constant calculation is exhausting in a way that is easy to underestimate. A space where the default assumption is acceptance removes that work entirely. Mentorship adds something a group setting cannot: a consistent adult who shows up, which for a young person questioning whether there is a good future available is evidence rather than reassurance.

How to Join

QUEERSPACE collective is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 86-3249777) and a CenterLink member; youth programs are provided at no cost to families. Visit the Youth Programs section of the QUEERSPACE website to learn about mentorship, the Twin Cities Youth Center, St. Cloud programming, and young adult offerings, or use the contact page to reach the team directly. Mentorship involves an application and matching process; drop-in center programming and events are more informal. Check the events page for the current calendar.