LGBTQ+ life in Minnesota is a chronological collection of stories that provide a glimpse into the history and sometimes turbulent nature of the LGBTQ+ experience in the state. This curation is not to highlight individual Minnesotans based on their orientation, but rather to present voices of and on the LGBTQ+ community…as it relates to the enduring fight for civil rights, societal achievements, and the act of many in attaining acceptance and inclusion in towns, family, healthcare, church, education, politics, arts, and the workplace.
November 5, 1977 - As part of Home for the Weekend series, this program presents excerpts and highlights from a public session in Fargo, discussing homosexuality in society. Among the attendees were clergy, counselors and mental health officials. Program includes speeches, interviews and segments of music.
February 28, 1978 - MPR’s Pat Kessler reports on St. Paul City Council as it considered petition on the repeal of gay rights ordinance to appear on ballot in city election. A debate over viewing as ‘referendum’ or ‘initiative’ ensued. City Council president Robert Sylvester and Councilman Dave Hosa oppose the petition.
April 20, 1978 - Report on three different St. Paul rallies, pro and con, regarding the vote to repeal the gay rights ordinance. MPR's Pat Kessler, Kate Williams, and Dan Olson were at the events and provide excerpts from the activity, including speeches and interviews of attendees.
April 25, 1978 - MPR’s Pat Kessler reports on vote results on repeal of St. Paul’s 1974 gay rights ordinance. St. Paul voters chose to repeal of the city's provisions protecting gays and lesbians from discrimination by a two-to-one margin.
April 27, 1978 - MPR’s Pat Kessler presents various local viewpoints and theories on why voters chose to repeal St. Paul’s 1974 gay rights ordinance.
May 26, 1978 - MPR’s Pat Kessler reports that 30 days after St. Paul gay rights ordinance repeal, there is a general attitude that the repeal has had no real effect on the lifestyles of homosexuals. Kessler talks with two individuals who fought on opposing sides of the rights issue.
January 2, 1979 - MPR’s Dale Connelly interviews Ann Clark, of the Lesbian Resource Center, about the struggles for lesbian mothers in the community. Clark describes how the center attempts to provide support.
April 3, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Potter reports on Minnesota State Capital commitee discussion of gay rights bill in effort to add sexual orientation to the list of protected statuses in the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
April 5, 1983 - MPR’s Pat Kessler reports on the Minnesota legislature’s latest attempt to take up the issue of gay rights. Report includes various viewpoints on the gay rights bill from advocates and opponents.
January 13, 1986 - MPR’s George Boosey reports on Potter v. LaSalle Court Sports & Health Club case being heard at the Minnesota Supreme Court. The case stems from a complaint by gay man that health club discriminated against him due to his sexuality. Report includes clips of arguments presented by attorneys.