Welcome to Minnesota!
Minnesota is known for its friendly people, beautiful natural scenery, and thriving business environment. With a diverse economy that includes industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, there are plenty of opportunities to start or grow a business in Minnesota. In addition, Minnesota is home to world-class colleges and universities, top-rated healthcare facilities, and a rich cultural scene. Whether you're looking for a bustling city or a quiet rural town, Minnesota has something for everyone.
Relocating to Minnesota as a TGX or LGBTQ+ Individual or Family?
Minnesota is proud to be a refuge state for transgender and gender-expansive (TGX) individuals and families fleeing discrimination and seeking safety, inclusion, and opportunity. However, relocation is more than crossing state lines—it means rebuilding your life, reconnecting with your community, and accessing critical resources such as housing, healthcare, education, and legal protections.
Quorum, Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce, is helping build a network of welcoming organizations to support this journey. Whether you’re moving alone or with family, this guide connects you to affirming services and community-based resources across the Twin Cities and beyond.
Start here. Reach out. You’re not alone.
Note: This list is not exhaustive. We recognize that communities and services are constantly evolving, and we will continue to update this guide over time. If you are aware of any additional affirming resources or updates, please let us know so we can ensure this information remains accurate and helpful.
General Relocation & Financial Assistance
· Quorum – Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce. Offers relocation information, business connections, and referrals to affirming services. twincitiesquorum.com | info@twincitiesquorum.com
· OutFront Minnesota – Relocation guidance, name/gender marker change support, and LGBTQ+ legal advocacy. outfront.org| 1-800-800-0350
· PFund Foundation – Provides emergency and relocation grants for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. pfundfoundation.org
· Twin Cities Queer & Transplants– Peer-based welcome network for LGBTQ+ newcomers. Offers community meetups, resource navigation, and connection. tcqueertransplants.com
· TIGERRS – Transgender, Intersex, Gender-Expansive Refugee & Relocation Services. Supports TGX individuals fleeing unsafe states or countries. tigerrs.org
· The Advocates for Human Rights– Legal assistance for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. theadvocatesforhumanrights.org
· Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota– Legal aid for LGBTQ+ immigrants, including name/gender marker changes and asylum. ilcm.org
· Minnesota DEED – Job training, resume help, unemployment resources, and small business support.mn.gov/deed
Housing & Emergency Shelter
· Avenues for Youth – Emergency shelter and support services for LGBTQ+ youth ages 16–24. avenuesforyouth.org | 612-377-8800
· Clare Housing – Supportive, affordable housing for people with health challenges, including LGBTQ+ individuals. clarehousing.org
· HousingLink – Centralized listings of affordable and LGBTQ+-friendly rental housing across Minnesota. housinglink.org
· Real Estate Alliance – MN Chapter– Network of affirming real estate professionals helping LGBTQ+ people find safe and supportive housing. realestatealliance.org/mn
· Minnesota Realtors Association– Offers tools and support for accessing inclusive housing across the state. mnrealtor.com
Healthcare & Mental Health Services:
Gender-Affirming Healthcare
· Family Tree Clinic – LGBTQ+ affirming clinic offering hormone therapy, sexual health, and primary care services. familytreeclinic.org
· Children’s Minnesota Gender Clinic– Specialized gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-expansive youth. childrensmn.org
· Minnesota Trans Health Coalition– Community-based health navigation, advocacy, and peer support. mntranshealth.org
· HealthPartners Center for Gender Services– Gender-affirming medical, mental health, and surgical consultation services. healthpartners.com/gender-services
· Mayo Clinic Transgender and Intersex Specialty Care – Comprehensive care for TGX individuals. mayoclinic.org
Mental Health & Crisis Support
· RECLAIM – Mental health therapy for LGBTQ+ youth with a focus on trauma and identity affirmation. reclaim.care | 612-235-6743
· Transcend Psychotherapy – LGBTQ+-centered psychotherapy, specializing in TGX clients. transcendpsychotherapy.com
· Pride Institute – LGBTQ+-specific mental health and substance use treatment. pride-institute.com
· NAMI Minnesota – Mental health education, support, and crisis services for LGBTQ+ people. namimn.org | Crisis: 988
· Minnesota Warmline – Peer support line for mental health assistance. -877-404-3190
· The Trevor Project – Crisis and suicide prevention support for LGBTQ+ youth. thetrevorproject.org | 1-866-488-7386 | Text “START” to 678-678
· Trans Lifeline – Peer-run crisis line for trans people. translifeline.org | 1-877-565-8860
Legal & Documentation Support
· Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS)– Allows residents to update their driver’s license or state ID with name and gender marker (including “X”) without requiring medical documentation. dps.mn.gov
· OutFront Minnesota – Offers free transgender name and gender marker change clinics, as well as legal support for anti-discrimination cases. outfront.org
· Gender Justice – Provides legal representation and advocacy in employment, healthcare, and education discrimination cases. genderjustice.us
· ACLU of Minnesota – Engages in strategic litigation and public education to protect LGBTQ+ rights under Minnesota law. aclu-mn.org
· National Center for Transgender Equality– Offers resources and guides for updating identification documents and understanding legal protections. transequality.org
Youth, Family & Education Support
· Transforming Families MN – Peer-led support groups for parents, guardians, and families of transgender and gender-expansive youth. tffmn.org
· GLSEN Twin Cities – Advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusive K–12 schools through policy, educator training, and youth leadership. glsen.org
· PFLAG Twin Cities – Support and resources for families, parents, and allies of LGBTQ+ individuals. pflag.org/chapter/pflag-twin-cities
· PACER Center – Advocacy and educational resources for LGBTQ+ youth with disabilities or facing school-based challenges. pacer.org
· MN Department of Education – Safe and Supportive Schools Toolkit – Policy guidance to support TGX students in schools. education.mn.gov
· Mama Dragons – A national support network of mothers with LGBTQ+ children, offering resources, community, and education. mamadragons.org
· The Bridge for Youth– Crisis housing and services for youth, including LGBTQ+ youth in unsafe or unstable situations. bridgeforyouth.org
Community, Faith & Social Integration
· Twin Cities Queer & Transplants– Social and mutual aid network for LGBTQ+ people who’ve recently relocated. Offers meetups, local tips, and community care. tcqueertransplants.com
· Prism Organizing – Multiracial, multifaith LGBTQ+ organizing network focused on visibility and equity across Greater Minnesota and the suburbs. prismorganizing.org
· Twin Cities Pride – Hosts the largest Pride celebration in Minnesota and coordinates LGBTQ+ events year-round. tcpride.org
· A Bar of Their Own– Queer-owned, all-gender inclusive sports bar and community venue in Minneapolis. abaroftheirown.com
· LUSH Lounge & Theater– LGBTQ+ bar and performance venue with drag, burlesque, brunch, and dance nights. lushmpls.com
· The Black Hart of Saint Paul– Queer soccer bar and inclusive nightlife space with regular events and community programming. blackhartstp.com
· Minnesota Pride Events (Statewide)– Community festivals across MN including Rochester, Bemidji, Burnsville, Northfield, Duluth, and more. tcpride.org/events
Employment, Economic & Transportation Resources
Employment & Economic Empowerment
· Quorum – Connects LGBTQ+ and TGX job seekers to affirming employers. Offers professional networking, business mentoring, and entrepreneur support. twincitiesquorum.com
· Out & Equal – Provides workplace inclusion resources and connects TGX talent to inclusive employers nationwide. outandequal.org
· Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) – State agency offering job search support, workforce training, and small business assistance. mn.gov/deed
· PFund Foundation – Offers emergency and relocation grants to LGBTQ+ individuals, including TGX entrepreneurs. pfundfoundation.org
· TIGERRS – Transgender, Intersex, Gender-Expansive Refugee & Relocation Services. Supports TGX individuals fleeing unsafe states with legal, employment, and housing transition support. tigerrs.org
· The Advocates for Human Rights– Legal and policy support for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and workers navigating immigration or employment rights. theadvocatesforhumanrights.org
· Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota– Offers legal assistance for LGBTQ+ immigrants navigating work authorization and documentation. ilcm.org
Transportation Resources
· Metro Transit – Provides bus and light rail service across the Twin Cities metro area. metrotransit.org
· Transit Assistance Program (TAP)– Offers discounted fares for low-income individuals. metrotransit.org/tap-riders
· Greater Minnesota Transit– Public transportation options for rural areas and smaller towns across the state. dot.state.mn.us/transit
LGBTQ+ Affirming Local Businesses & Community Spaces
These locations have been identified through community feedback as inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Retail, Grocery, and Everyday Essentials
· Valley Natural Foods
o 13750 County Rd 11, Burnsville, MN 55337
o https://www.valleynaturalfoods.com
· Costco – Burnsville
o 14050 Burnhaven Dr, Burnsville, MN 55337
o https://www.costco.com/warehouse-locations/burnsville-mn-1087.html
· The Home Depot – Burnsville
o 155 Nicollet Blvd W, Burnsville, MN 55337
o https://www.homedepot.com/l/Burnsville/MN/Burnsville/55337/2809
· Zombie Boardshop
o 15100 Buck Hill Rd, Burnsville, MN 55306
o https://www.zombieboardshop.com
· Northfield Yarn
o 314 Division St S, Northfield, MN 55057
o https://www.northfieldyarn.com
· Rose Yarn Co.
o 17563 Glasgow Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
· Michaels – Burnsville
o 13901 Aldrich Ave S, Burnsville, MN 55337
o https://locations.michaels.com/mn/burnsville/8608
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Social Venues, Bars, Breweries, and Cafés
· Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar
o 1565 Cliff Rd E, Burnsville, MN 55337
· Ineffable Brewing Co.
o 1905 County Road 42 W, Burnsville, MN 55306
o https://www.ineffablebrew.com
· Trove Brewing
o 1719 County Road 42 W, Burnsville, MN 55306
o https://www.trovebrewing.com
· Imminent Brewing
o 519 Division St S, Northfield, MN 55057
o https://www.imminentbrewing.com
· Fox Den Board Game Café
o 12450 River Ridge Ln #300, Burnsville, MN 55337
· Caribou Coffee – Affirming Locations
o https://locations.cariboucoffee.com
· A Bar of Their Own
o 2207 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
o https://www.abaroftheirown.com
· LUSH Lounge & Theater
o 990 NE Central Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55413
· The Black Hart of Saint Paul
o 1415 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55104
o https://www.blackhartstp.com
· Aki’s BreadHaus
o 2506 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
o https://www.akisbreadhaus.com
LGBTQ+ Affirming Health, Wellness, and Service Businesses
· Allen & Holm Dental
o 14000 Nicollet Ave #100, Burnsville, MN 55337
o https://www.allenandholm.com
· Dental Health Center
o 15875 Emperor Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124
o https://www.thedentalhealthcenter.net
· Metro Dentalcare – Apple Valley
o 14682 Pennock Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124
o https://www.metrodentalcare.com/locations/apple-valley
· Wood Park Dental
o 2040 Silver Bell Rd #110, Eagan, MN 55122
o https://www.woodparkdental.com
· HealthPartners Apple Valley Clinic
o 15290 Pennock Ln, Apple Valley, MN 55124
o https://www.healthpartners.com/care/find/location/primary-care-clinics/apple-valley-clinic/
· Park Nicollet Clinic – Burnsville
o 14050 Fairview Dr, Burnsville, MN 55337
o https://www.parknicollet.com/locations/clinics/burnsville
· Pride Institute
o 14400 Martin Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
· Transcend Psychotherapy
o 1422 West Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
o https://transcendpsychotherapy.com
· Burnhaven Library (Dakota County Libraries)
o 1101 County Rd 42 W, Burnsville, MN 55306
o https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/libraries/locations/Burnhaven
· Cornerstone Copy Center
o 13775 Frontier Ct, Burnsville, MN 55337
o https://www.cornerstonecopy.com
· Snips SpaSalon – Bloomington
o 5147 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55437
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Lodging
· Aloft Minneapolis
o 900 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
o https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mspal-aloft-minneapolis/overview/
· Aloft Bloomington Mall of America
o 2240 W Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN 55425
o https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mspla-aloft-minneapolis-bloomington/overview/
Aloft is a Marriott brand with a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, frequently participating in Pride events and maintaining inclusive training practices.
Additional Options: Many LGBTQ+ individuals have reported positive experiences at Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and boutique hotels in the Twin Cities area. When booking, look for hotels that have non-discrimination policies and use inclusive language in their listings. Airbnb’s “LGBTQ+ Friendly” tags can also be a helpful filter when searching for temporary housing.
Final Notes and Ongoing Updates
This guide was created to help transgender, gender-expansive (TGX), and LGBTQ+ individuals and families navigate relocation and daily life in Minnesota with dignity, safety, and support. Minnesota offers a strong and growing network of affirming services, businesses, and communities; however, no single guide can capture everything or stay fully current on its own.
This is not an all-inclusive list. Updates will be made over time.
If you know of a resource that should be added—or if something listed here is no longer accurate—please help keep this guide up to date by contacting:
· Quorum – Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce
o https://twincitiesquorum.com
Your feedback helps ensure that future arrivals find the care, connection, and affirmation they deserve.
You are welcome here.
*Thank you, Perry Charlton and Twin Cities Quorum teams, for putting together this very useful list of resources.
OUR PARTNER
Copyright © 2025 True Colors Real Estate - All Rights Reserved.