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

Stay updated with MNQT: 

• Instagram: @MNCOUNCIL_LGBTQIA2S+
• Facebook: MN Council on LGBTQIA2S+

Don't miss your chance to share your voice and organization's needs in our Organization & Provider Survey! If you've already completed the survey - thank you! If not, follow this link to fill it out. 

Calling all organizations, service providers, and entities – complete MNQT’s anonymous Organization & Provider Survey to ensure your voice and needs are heard in our three-part Community Needs Assessment!

The Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans is conducting a comprehensive community needs assessment, including this statewide survey of organizations that serve – in any capacity – the LGBTQIA2S+ community. This survey is an opportunity for organizations to share about their work, their experiences working with the State of Minnesota, and the challenges they may be facing. Follow this link to complete the survey.

Why take the survey?

• Make sure your programs and services are counted as we map opportunities and gaps for queer, trans, and Two-Spirit communities in Minnesota
• Anonymously share your organization’s experiences with the State of Minnesota – what has helped and what has hindered
• Shape future priorities by influencing how our agency and the state as a whole understand and respond to the needs of LGBTQIA2S+ communities.

Learn more here.

Study from the Journal of Pediatrics: Trans Youth Care Lowers Suicidality, Few Detransition

A recent study from the Journal of Pediatrics found that after trans youth patients received gender-affirming care, their suicidality scores dropped significantly up to five years after receiving treatment. The results from the survey show that suicidality significantly declined from pretreatment to post-treatment. The conclusion states, "These study findings provide clinical evidence supporting the mental health benefits of timely access to HT in this population." This article provides a detailed summary of the study.

Grant Available: Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Training Grant Program

The purpose of this grant is for the development of new or expansion of existing pediatric mental health training programs located in outpatient primary care clinics. The
training programs are designed to increase confidence, skills, and awareness of mental health resources among pediatric primary care providers caring for the mental health needs of
pediatric patients. An overarching goal of this grant program is that pediatric patients served by participating outpatient primary care clinics will receive more effective, timely, longitudinal
care for mental health needs. The application is open until January 16, 2026. Learn more about the program and apply here. 

Minnesota Thrives Database

Share wellness ideas via this new interactive database built to spotlight successful initiatives that promote mental wellbeing in Minnesota. There is no single magic solution to being healthy. Share, learn, and grow from others doing amazing work to strengthen the resiliency for everyone in your community. Explore the database or submit your own entry here. 

Minnesota Paid Leave begins January 2026 

Paid leave offers payments and job protections for some of life's most important moments, including: medical leave; caring for a family member with a serious health condition; bonding with a child through birth, adoption, or foster placement; responding to domestic violence; and military family leave. Check out their Resource Toolkit for information on eligibility and more.