District 202

District 202 currently serves LGBTQ2A youth ages 13 to 21 within the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. The organization aims to empower youth in a new, aggressive and pragmatic direction. To better focus on this mission, District 202 garners attention in three strategic areas: reducing the isolation of LGBTQ2A youth, addressing the changing demographics and needs of youth as they come out, and empowering youth through self-expression, thereby fostering healthy, happy and engaged youth.

Since opening its doors over eighteen years ago, District 202 has upheld its mission: “Through youth/adult partnerships, District 202's mission is to create safe spaces for LGBT youth and their allied friends. Spaces where they can build self-confidence, self-expression and the skills and resources they need to be successful by affirming their identities, amplifying their voices and assembling community.” District 202’s mission has not changed, but how it delivers on that mission has. We continue to empower LGBT youth through a unique blend of face-to-face interaction at venues, classes and programs that are held throughout the Twin Cities and online. Through our web site and our telephones, we will continue to refer LGBT youth and their families to opportunities and services in the region. District 202 is currently reaching 68% more youth than it was a year ago. Now, LGBT youth can come to one of District 202’s monthly social events and participate in a variety of programs, often administered by youth. These events and programs offer a community of support and can provide youth with a wide range of valuable skills and tools they need to be as successful, as they move forward in life.

Through this time of change at District 202, staff, interns, volunteers and engaged youth are excited to work on programming for youth. Such programming currently includes: monthly dances, Hip-Hop School, Stitch-n-Bitch, cooking classes, service projects and youth events during the Creating Change Conference.

We cannot do this alone. As youth are coming out at a much younger age and with the influx of bullying, resources are critical. Each donation can help support LGBTQ2A youth.

From all of us at District 202, thank you!