r/QueerMSP

Hey everyone!

I’ve been working in web design, branding, and marketing since 2016, and for the past 4 years I’ve been a Creative Director at a website marketing company. After spending the last decade helping grow other businesses, I’m finally taking the leap and building something of my own.

To kick things off, I’m offering 3 completely free website builds or redesigns for LGBTQ+ business owners in exchange for portfolio permission/testimonials.

I especially care about working with:
• Small businesses
• Service providers
• Artists & creators
• Community-focused brands
• LGBTQ+ owned startups
• Wellness & care-based businesses
• Veterinary & pet businesses
• Local shops & independent brands
• Therapists, consultants, and educators
• And more

That said, all LGBTQ+ owned businesses are welcome to apply.

A few important notes:
• These projects are intended for small-to-medium sized websites
• Existing websites are welcome if you’re looking for a redesign
• I’m not looking for large enterprise sites, custom portals, or massive multi-page projects
• I’ll be selecting projects based on fit, scope, and what I realistically feel I can give my full attention to

Applications will remain open through June 1st.

If you’re interested, you can apply here: https://forms.gle/1k3omNhYYmWKzZYF6

The form asks a few questions about your business, goals, and current online presence.

I’m genuinely excited about this. I’ve spent years helping build other companies, and I’d love for these first projects to support people and communities I truly care about.

https://gofund.me/da64ce2dd

In October, my family will lose our current housing, and we need to relocate to Minnesota by early August to prepare for the start of my pre-nursing program. We have about 78 days left to make this move possible. Being queer and gender non-conforming, my wife and I face harassment and struggle with laws being passed; some of those the very reason I had to drop out of school, or the reason I've lost a job.

Being accepted into school in Minnesota was a major turning point for me. It still can be, if we can afford the move. Funds raised will go toward transportation, moving costs, housing deposits, gas, food, and temporary lodging during the drive north. We’re contributing our own savings and remaining FAFSA funds, but we still need help bridging the gap.

We have raised $385/$5000 so far. Please consider sharing if you can, or donating.

Hello! Quick intro, We’re Kayla & Zoey Love of Storyteller Co - a wife and wife wedding photography & video duo in Minneapolis specializing in candid, documentary style captures on film and digital (we use a combination of mediums including 35mm, medium format, Polaroid, super 8, some 16mm -on a completely manual 1920’s magazine camera we hand roll the film for!!- and digital photo/video).

We wanted to share this Google Doc we’ve compiled beginning a little over a year ago of Queer inclusive and affirming vendors - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CKWLkeuUTygtdLtCMU3Ppd9M4YVX5BMarSIfc\_v\_SEM/edit?usp=sharing

It’s wildly important to us that Queer couples have a clear sense of which vendors are absolutely for certain affirming and valuing of your love - and are able to do so BEFORE having to pour hourssss into looking over websites and inquiries and potentially expose yourself to unsafe vendors in the process. As a married couple ourselves and a Queer wedding photo and video duo of a decade we’ve had the unfortunate displeasure of seeing how many vendors actually use inclusive language as a marketing concept and not at all a lived reality, and it’s actually devastating to have vendors who do not see, value, or celebrate you for exactly who you are but instead as a marketing opportunity. OR are entirely unaccepting of Queer couples at all. So this list was very intentionally compiled to avoid that, if vendors haven’t worked explicitly with REAL Queer couples for their REAL weddings (not styled shoots to try and attract LGBT couples with no actual. Lived experience or understanding of our unique needs), they’re not on this list - because inclusivity is a living, breathing, ever-changing thing that requires showing up in real life and not just nice words. This list is locked currently, because again vetted, but dm if you’re interested in being added and have actual experience and can actively easily show the ways in which you are a truly LGBTQ affirming and inclusive vendor (note most vendors are midwest/MN based but there’s vendors from all over the world in this list!)