OutFront Minnesota, the state’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, has announced a new strategic plan.

With big wins for marriage equality and the passage of a comprehensive, LGBT-inclusive safe schools law, OutFront has developed a strategic plan to look to the future of LGBTQ equity in Minnesota.

“We know that freedom cannot be measured only in policies and laws,” Monica Meyer, OutFront Minnesota Executive Director, said in a statement. “It must also be measured by the experiences LGBTQ people have in our daily lives — interacting with family, friends, neighbors, classmates, co-workers and members of our faith communities. We have momentum on our side. And, working with champions of equality throughout Minnesota, I know we will make this a reality .”

The organization will be focusing on youth, queer people of color, trans justice, greater Minnesota, faith, and LGBT elders. OutFront has also added the letter “Q” to all its communications to signify inclusion of queer identities. OutFront is also advancing the fight for LGBTQ equity, rather than equality.

The organization says it will work until LGBTQ people: feel safe to come out and be their authentic selves; are accepted and embraced by their families; are welcome at their schools, at their workplaces and in their faith communities; have access to equitable health care coverage; have jobs that pay a living wage; and can live openly without fear of violence, harassment or discrimination.

The plan was launched in late-July, and OutFront’s Communications Director Jean Heyer said the response from the community has been positive.

“The response to the plan has been very positive, especially including Q for queer in LGBT(Q) since so many younger people self-identify as queer,” Heyer told TheColu.mn. “People have also been also interested in the language of moving from equality to equity.”

The full strategic plan can be read here:

Download (PDF, 628KB)

By Andy Birkey The Column