Help MacKenzie raise money

Welcome to my fundraising page! 

Covid messed up my training for the full marathon, which is okay because the opportunity to run the Twin Cities 10 mile with QUEERSPACE Collective came to me and I am so excited. QUEERSPACE’s mission is to create space for LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe and empowered to be their true selves, with the vision of seeing all LGBTQ+ youth have a network of support to help them develop a strong sense of pride in who they are, where they come from, and where they want to go. A big part of the organization is providing youth with free, intergenerational mentorship opportunities in both 1:1 relationships and group settings.

Why do I care about fundraising for QUEERSPACE?

Relationships and community is what I am all about as a person.

As many people know, training for the TC marathon in 2019 provided me the space and capacity to come out to loved ones in my life and discover more of my authentic self. I hope to continue this journey with this year’s race. I knew I was queer in 10th grade, but there just weren’t the needed resources, language, or awareness to best support me and others at the time. I experienced serious mental health issues and insecurity and ended up seeking belonging in a Christian community that denounced my sexuality, forced me to sign that my behaviors were a sin, and encouraged me to go to counseling to try to figure out what in my life caused my queerness. I did not have the queer community or role models to support me that I needed, which still impacts me today, and I do not want to see any other young person go through a similar experience. Younger me and all youth deserve the space, support, and safety to live and grow into their truest selves. In the time since this experience, I have built meaningful, supportive Queer (and Christian) community that has been so lifegiving and beautiful. 

Additionally, with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric in Minnesota and across the country, it is critical to support our most vulnerable youth. LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to have mental health concerns, experience homelessness, and attempt suicide; having at least one supportive adult in their lives significantly reduces these risks. 

By fundraising for QUEERSPACE, I hope to contribute to the effort of connecting youth with the support and affirmations I needed when I was younger. Will you help me in this endeavor?