Patient Toolkit
last updated
Created By Rainbow Health Initiative
This toolkit was created as a quick reference guide that is easy to read and use, specifically to empower LBGTQ Minnesotans who are seeking competent health and human services. There are also useful definitions, terms and a master resource list! Feel free to skip from section to section, and remember to reach out for help.
This toolkit should not be read as legal or medical advice or counsel. Take precaution and meet with professionals and advocates as necessary to shape your actions.
Welcome
We all deserve to be healthy, to be cared for, and to have our needs met, not despite our sexual orientation or gender identities but because of them. It is important that we all begin with a shared definition of health. The World Health Organization defines health as “…a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Starting from this definition, health goes beyond recovering from an illness or receiving correct medication, and actively includes having a fulfilling life with dignity and stability. As you look to seek out care, you deserve care that authentically sees you and empowers you toward your individual health goals. Your story matters. You matter.
Welcome to the Minnesota lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Patient Toolkit, originally designed by Rainbow Health Initiative. If you are new to the state, new to pursuing health care, or simply looking to expand your understanding, we hope that this Toolkit will guide your learning. This Toolkit covers Minnesota-specific information on health care plans, legal rights, and advocacy, as well as information on self-care, shaping patient/provider relationships and local resources for food, housing and social support.
Lead authors in alphabetical order
Indie Lewis – MPH Candidate: University of Minnesota
EJ Olson – MA: Rainbow Health Initiative
Editors
Dylan Flunker – MPP: Rainbow Health Initiative
Heidi Johnson – MA: Rainbow Health Initiative
Designers
Emma Marchese
tré martínez-kukowski
Explore Resources
LGBTQ Groups, Services, and Support
While this guide offers practical input and help for medical needs, it is important to acknowledge that health doesn’t stop at a care provider’s office. This resource list is distinct from resources listed in previous sections, as it focuses beyond health care access and provides avenues to meet other needs to thrive in Minnesota.
Business Directory Services
Twin Cities Quorum
18 North 12th Street #3606
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-460-8153
Educational Services
345 Plato Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55107
651-744-5195
Elder Care Support Group
Minnesota LGBTQ Caregivers Group
Online only
Scheduled meets through website
Family Events/Meet Services
Not a therapy support group
Online only
Local meetings posted
Not a therapy support group
Family Resources
Online only
Food Services
Locations throughout the state
Healing Arts And Healing Justice
736 East 41st Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-293-6691
Health and Therapy Services (Including Hormone Therapy)
University of Minnesota Center for Sexual Health
1300 2nd St. S #180
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612-625-1500
Community Hormone Access Project (Through Trans Youth Support Network)
HIV And AIDS Services
3808 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55409
612-824-5433
Housing Services
Avenues for Youth: GLBT Host Program
1708 Oak Park Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
612-522-1690
1111 West 22nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55405
612-377-8800
SafeZone Drop-In Center
308 Prince Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-224-9644
LGBTQ Band and Marching Band
SafeZone Drop-In Center
P.O. Box 3689
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-564-0632
LGBTQ+ Women’s Chorus
P.O. Box 4474
St. Paul, MN 55104
Local Support Group
Gay/Lesbian Community Services of Southeast Minnesota
P.O. Box 454
Rochester, MN 55903
Religious Services
Multiple Locations
Mount Zion Temple (LGBT-friendly Jewish Temple)
1300 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-698-3881
Online only
Senior Housing Services
2930 13th Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-724-3029
Shot clinics, support groups, HIV testing
Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition
3405 Chicago Ave #103
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-823-1152
Sober Events and Support Groups
Check online for events
Support and Academic Scholarship Resources
1409 Willow Street #109
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-870-1806
Therapy/Counseling Services
771 Raymond Ave S
Saint Paul, MN 55114
612-235-6743
University Support Group
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Services (University of Minnesota Crookston)
Hill Hall 15
218-281-8347
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center (Minnesota State University Mankato)
194 Centennial Student Union
Minnesota State University
Mankato, MN 56001
507-389-5131
Morris Queer Student Initiative for Equality (University of Minnesota Morris)
Hill Hall 15
Join online for events/locations
Queer and Allied Student Union (University of Minnesota Duluth)
270E Multicultural Center Kirby Student Center
Queer Student Cultural Center (University of Minnesota Twin Cities)
300 Washington Ave SE, #217
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-626-2344
Rainbow Dragon Center (University of Minnesota Moorhead)
1104 7th Ave South
Moorhead, MN 56563
218-477-2535