On a mid-afternoon day, members from the Minnesota National Guard’s LGBTQ+ Special Emphasis Council began setting up their information booth along the dog park in the northeast corner of Loring Park’s 34-acre site in Minneapolis for what was expected to be the largest turnout in Twin Cities Pride’s history. The three-day event, held from June 23 to 25, 2023, did not disappoint.

Andi Otto, executive director for Twin Cities Pride, said the event “is now the second largest event in Minnesota by attendance.” Last year, attendance reached 450,000, and even more are expected this year.

Being at the event “means a lot, that it shows that not only we are part of the National Guard, but that they (Pride goers) are here for us as well, as a community,” Staff Sgt. Wendy Rivera said. “I think it’s great to see different service members from different ethnicities and groups being here together.”

Thousands of Pride goers visited with members of the Minnesota National Guard throughout the long weekend. The conversations and interactions were filled with smiles, laughter, and genuine interest in understanding the Minnesota National Guard and who serves in it.

Over a dozen volunteers from the LGBTQ+ Council supported the event, which included Soldiers and Airmen from both the officer and enlisted ranks. Their purpose was to serve as ambassadors from the Minnesota National Guard and to engage the public, dispel myths about serving, and build trust with the community, while having fun and watching Pride goers do some pushups for some of the free swag.

“I believe in volunteerism. I believe in community work, so this is my joy. Wherever I’m at, where there is work, whether it’s my free time, I’m usually helping out,” Specialist Soloman Tilleskjon said. He was adopted from Ethiopia, and while growing up in Minnesota, he had to lean a lot on his community. Now, wants to give back. “I highly, highly encourage people to be a part of special emphasis groups or business groups,” he said. “You are meeting people that are a lot higher rank that could probably help you out later in your career; this is the place to be.”

For Tech. Sgt. Ember Pekarna, one of the main objectives of the councils is to educate leaders. “I think it’s really useful, and it provides an education point that is super important,” she said.

Another objective of the Special Emphasis Councils is helping leaders, mentors, sponsors, and allies ensure that all members of the Minnesota National Guard can be their true selves while serving, and Pekarna believes she can. “At this point, I think everyone is comfortable with who I am and they know I’m a hard worker, and really that’s what matters; the work I do and what I offer the team.”

By Col. Eduardo Suarez
Minnesota National Guard