Out to Brunch

P.O. Box 582682 (originally P.O. Box 2600, Loop Station), Minneapolis, MN

Out to Brunch advertisement, 1989. Courtesy of the Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection.	A group of queer women got to talking about the Twin Cities social scene at a “Take Back the Night” meeting in August of 1985.(1) Dissatisfied with the bar-centered culture, and perhaps uninterested in the politics of such spaces as A Woman's Coffeehouse, these women yearned for a friendly and casual social space—a kind of space that heterosexual people take for granted.

Eight women initially gathered to consider the possibilities for a new social venue. In true Minnesotan fashion, they agreed on a monthly potluck—at first, the original eight invited their friends.(2) As the organization grew in size, participants made use of a “ ‘get acquainted’ type of atmosphere, using nametags and holding a meeting after the eating to have everybody introduce themselves and share information about events going on in [the] community.” Time allowed the organization to gather a diverse following—smaller groups within organized through Out to Brunch that catered to “moms, women of color, over 40s, under 25s, and newcomers.”(3)

The brunch meetings did not meet at a fixed location. Instead, organizers chose different meeting sites throughout the Twin Cities (but predominantly in Minneapolis.) The community of queer women in Minneapolis and St. Paul responded with extraordinary enthusiasm—they suggested additional after-brunch activities that included “hiking video parties, dancing, cards, horseback riding, picnics, sports, talent shows, weekend camping trips, books groups—everything from a motorcycle group to a sewing circle!”(4) By 1989, just two years after officially organizing, 500 women were part of “OTB.”

Unfortunately, many queer women suffered (and continue to suffer) in isolated environments—this can be the product of the “closet,” an abusive relationship, or a social scene that lacks spaces catering to women.(5) Now in its 25th year, Out to Brunch continues to provide a friendly social atmosphere for women seeking community, friendship, and love.

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(1)Miller, Debbie. "Out to Brunch." 1989 Twin Cities Pride Guide, page 47.

(2) Ibid.

(3) Ibid.

(4) Ibid.

(5)Curnoyer, Nancy. Interview with the author and Jacob Gentz, February 2009.

Part of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN: 100 Queer Places in Minnesota History, (1860-1969), (1969-2010)