Minneapolis T-Social Creates Space for Radical Acceptance and Queer Joy

Jessica Tezoquipa, staff writer

On Sept. 26, a T-Social took place to fill the void left when several venues in Como shut down. Places like Como Backdoor and Pink Place reportedly closed due to management vacating the leases. These locations were famously home to the alt queer scene and places for the community to convene. The organizers, especially Julian Pone, whom I had the pleasure of interviewing, were very interested in the alt queer scene and especially felt at home at these venues. When interviewed by the Echo, Pone shared, “This last year has been life-changing to me because I haven’t needed to adhere to cishet venues.” 

After most of the venues in Como shut down, the organizers thought, “Man, where do we go?” Devastated, they decided to throw their own event. “I feel that it’s important to create trans-focused spaces because I find that I don’t fit into many queer spaces. They are often focused on sexuality rather than gender and view gender in a binary way. I want to create a space where trans people are not only accepted but also celebrated. A space where our thoughts and opinions are valued, our bodies are seen as beautiful and our dreams are supported,” Pone shared in their interview. 

I want to create a space where trans people are not only accepted but also celebrated. A space where our thoughts and opinions are valued, our bodies are seen as beautiful and our dreams are supported

Julian pone

The event came together as everyone had something to throw into the circle; they all had things to showcase and sell, such as the beautiful bleach art shirts made by Pone. Zinc, a resident of the house that was hosting the T-social, made printed linocut patches, and Instagram user @Way.ward.wear created bleach art shirts of nature and living organisms, fueled by their passion for the environment. There were also many other people selling clothes and there was food too. The hosts had friends who could DJ, friends who could perform drag, and many musicians showed up to participate. Around 60 people attended, all bringing their queer selves to support trans artists and the queer community. It was a celebration of queer and trans joy. 

“One of the greatest parts was at the end of the night, having everyone sing around the campfire; the feeling of community was palpable, and the love and connection through transness and music was unlike anything I’ve experienced,” Aiden, an organizer, raved while being interviewed. They have great plans for the future, too, as they understand that continued space for the community is also important. They invite anybody in the community to join and are planning on hosting music-based events, game nights, and more trans-based nights. If you are interested in hearing more about future events or in helping to create these events, message @Way.ward.wear on Instagram to find out more.