District 202

In 1991, a group of adult youth workers and youth came together to create a space by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. It began with a vision from youth, that saw a space that was to be defined by and for them. With a start-up grant in 1991 from the Minneapolis Foundation, the journey began. On January 1, 1993, District 202 opened it's door as the first and only permanent space in Minnesota by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

In 1996, youth involvement, programming and staff at the center had grown so much that the initial store front space no longer met the needs of the youth communities involved. The center was experiencing over 10,000 visits a year. As a result, in May of 1997, District 202 moved to its current space. The space was renovated through a $250,000 capital campaign with support from the foundation community and individual donors. The site has three times the space and is fully equipped for multi-purpose programming. It allows the diverse communities of sexual minority youth the space to have numerous activities going on in the center at any given time.

District 202 exists to work with youth in creating opportunities, building strengths and fostering empowerment among sexual minority youth. Most importantly, however, it is about community. As in the words of Audre Lorde, "Without Community - There is no liberation."


Don't forget to designate DISTRICT 202 with your giving through Community Solutions Fund! Thank you to those who support District 202 through our website!

		[ staff ] [ board of directors ] [ facts ] In 1991, a group of adult youth workers and youth came together to create a space by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. It began with a vision from youth, that saw a space that was to be defined by and for them. With a start-up grant in 1991 from the Minneapolis Foundation, the journey began. On January 1, 1993, District 202 opened it's door as the first and only permanent space in Minnesota by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. In 1996, youth involvement, programming and staff at the center had grown so much that the initial store front space no longer met the needs of the youth communities involved. The center was experiencing over 10,000 visits a year. As a result, in May of 1997, District 202 moved to its current space. The space was renovated through a $250,000 capital campaign with support from the foundation community and individual donors. The site has three times the space and is fully equipped for multi-purpose programming. It allows the diverse communities of sexual minority youth the space to have numerous activities going on in the center at any given time. Over the years, thousands of different youth have become involved. They have created theater, dance, community education, conferences, art, and much more. They have become involved in community and have created opportunities for leadership. District 202 exists to work with youth in creating opportunities, building strengths and fostering empowerment among sexual minority youth. Most importantly, however, it is about community. As in the words of Audre Lorde, "Without Community - There is no liberation."