Clean River Partners

QUEERY was created because queer and questioning youth in rural Southern Minnesota deserve safe, welcoming spaces where they can build friendships, confidence, and joy outdoors.

For many LGBTQ+ youth outside the Twin Cities Metro, affirming programs are limited. Outdoor spaces and youth programs are not always designed with queer, trans, and nonbinary youth in mind, and barriers like cost, transportation, and accessibility can make participation even harder.

That’s where QUEERY comes in.

QUEERY is a free outdoor program by Clean River Partners that connects queer and questioning middle and high school youth with nature, community, and each other through monthly experiences like kayaking, birding, nature journaling, environmental learning, and outdoor exploration.

The impact is already clear.

When asked if they plan to continue spending time outdoors after the meetup, one participant shared: 

“Yes! I’m hoping to go on more walks and enjoy nature.”

Another said: 

“I definitely would and I would just try a bunch of new things because just being outside is fun.”

Families are noticing the difference too. One caregiver shared: 

“I am very appreciative to have a local group where the kids can meet others in the queer community and hopefully make some friends… They just said it was fun and they really enjoyed it. They will definitely come back the next time.” 

The total cost to operate QUEERY over two years is $25,000. Thanks to early support, including a $9,000 grant from PFund Foundation, the program has grown. 

Now, we need community support to help us meet our goal. 

Our immediate fundraising goal is to raise $10,000 to fully fund QUEERY for the remainder of this year and the next.

Your support will help fund transportation assistance, accessibility accommodations, supplies, partnerships, and free monthly gatherings that ensure every young person can participate regardless of income or ability.

Every gift helps queer youth in Southern Minnesota experience something powerful: belonging, connection, and the freedom to fully be themselves outdoors.

Will you help support QUEERY today?