The Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans works for the implementation of economic, social, legal, and political equality for Minnesota’s community of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender expansive, queer, intersex, asexual, and/or two-spirit.
MNQT Staff:
- Emma Watts, Executive Director
emma.watts@state.mn.us
- Angelica Gentile, Senior Operations Specialist
angelica.gentile@state.mn.us
- Kelsey Waits, Research Director
kelsey.waits@state.mn.us
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Happy Fall, Everyone!
I’m Theo Casio, Chair of the Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans. I joined MNQT as an inaugural council member in 2023 and stepped into the Chair role this past July.
My commitment to this work has been rooted in a deep focus on addressing disparities faced by BIPOC LGBTQIA+ individuals. I’m especially passionate about advocating for transgender, two-spirit, and gender nonconforming Minnesotans. Since joining the Council, I have had the honor and privilege of speaking at the Minnesota Capitol for both Transgender Day of Remembrance and Transgender Day of Visibility, amplifying trans voices and the urgent issues our community faces.
Because let’s be honest, we are living through a time of heightened political violence and escalating attacks on our rights. There is no gentle way to say it, our community is under siege. That’s why our work is more critical than ever. We must continue listening to community members, standing together, and fighting to ensure that LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans are afforded the same rights and protections as everyone else.
One of our key initiatives, the MNQT Community Needs Assessment, is helping us better understand the priorities, challenges, and aspirations of LGBTQIA2S+ people across Minnesota. This data will inform policy, guide funding decisions, and strengthen advocacy efforts. We also hope LGBTQIA2S+ organizations will use the findings to enhance programming, secure funding, and build on the incredible work they are already doing.
This is how we move forward, by being loud, centering community voices and advancing equity. Together, we can ensure that every LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotan feels seen, heard, and supported.
Let us remember that trans is beautiful, community is power, and together we will thrive.
Theo Casio
Chair of the Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans
MNQT is now accepting applications for the position of Project Coordinator - Planner Senior. This is a temporary position funded through June 30th, 2027. The position will lead the coordination and implementation of the Council's statewide Community Needs Assessment and serve as the agency's primary liaison to the Collaboration for Data Disaggregation (CDD). This role ensures the successful execution of project deliverables, supports the development of inclusive data standards, and helps translate
community-informed findings into statewide policy and practice. Through strong project management and cross-sector collaboration, the Program Coordinator will advance equity in data collection and use across Minnesota.
Job posting closes 10/14/25. Job ID is 89072. Apply via the State of MN Careers site.
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