More Than a Realtor: Showing Up for the LGBTQ+ Community in the Twin Cities

Oct 15

For me, being a Realtor is about much more than helping someone buy or sell a home. Home is about feeling safe. It's about belonging. It's about being able to build a life surrounded by the people, places, and community that matter to you. That's one of the reasons being involved in the LGBTQ+ community is so important to me.

As a Realtor serving the Twin Cities, I want to do more than say that I welcome LGBTQ+ clients. I want to show up for the community I am a part of!

Over the past year, I've had the opportunity to attend and participate in LGBTQ+ events throughout the Twin Cities. From celebrating Pride to connecting with couples planning their weddings, each event has reminded me just how special this community is—and how grateful I am to be a part of it.

Celebrating at Twin Cities Pride

Twin Cities Pride is always one of those events that reminds me why community matters so much. It's a chance to celebrate, connect, laugh, learn, and spend time with people from all different parts of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. For me, Pride isn't just about one weekend. It's about celebrating the ability to live openly and authentically, supporting LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations, and creating spaces where people feel like they belong.

I love getting to spend the weekend connecting with people, meeting other local businesses and community members, and having conversations that have nothing to do with buying or selling a house. Sometimes it's simply about showing up.

Connecting at Golden Valley Pride

I also had the opportunity to attend Golden Valley Pride, another great opportunity to connect with the local community. One of my favorite parts of attending Pride events throughout the Twin Cities is seeing how each community creates its own version of celebration.

These events aren't just opportunities to put up a booth or hand out information. They're opportunities to meet people where they are, learn about the community, support local organizations and businesses, and build genuine relationships. That's how I try to approach my work as a Realtor, too.

Relationships first. Transactions second.

A Little Halloween Fun at Twin Cities Pride Trunk-or-Treat

Not every community event needs to be a huge celebration. Sometimes it's a parking lot full of decorated cars, costumes, candy, and people having fun together. The Twin Cities Pride Trunk-or-Treat was a perfect example of that.

I loved getting to participate in an event that brought people together in a more casual and playful way. Community is built in those little moments, too.

It's the conversations you have while passing out candy. The person you recognize from another event. The local business owner you finally get to meet. The new connection that turns into a friendship. Those moments matter.

Talking Homeownership at the Rainbow Wedding Network Expo

One of the other events I was excited to attend was the Rainbow Wedding Network Expo.

As someone who works with buyers and sellers—and especially people navigating major life transitions—I love opportunities to connect with people who are building their lives together. Getting married can be an exciting new chapter, and for many couples, homeownership becomes part of that conversation.

Where do we want to live?

What can we afford?

Should we buy before or after the wedding?

How do we combine our finances?

What does buying our first home together actually look like?

These are big questions, and they're exactly the kinds of conversations I love helping people navigate. You don't have to have all the answers before you reach out.

Why This Matters to Me as a Realtor

Being active in the LGBTQ+ community isn't about putting a rainbow on my marketing once a year. It's about building relationships and being part of the community year-round. It's about creating a real estate experience where LGBTQ+ clients feel comfortable being themselves, asking questions, and knowing that they have someone in their corner.

And it's about recognizing that buying or selling a home can mean something different to everyone. For some people, it's their first home. For others, it's a move to a neighborhood where they finally feel at home.

It might be creating a safe space for their family, buying a home with their partner, moving closer to their community, or simply starting a new chapter.

Your reason for moving matters.

That's why I approach my work with education, advocacy, and care at the center. I want my clients to understand what's happening—not feel like they're being rushed through a transaction.

Community Is Part of Home

The Twin Cities has given me a community that I am incredibly grateful for.

Getting to participate in events like Twin Cities Pride, Golden Valley Pride, Twin Cities Pride Trunk-or-Treat, and the Rainbow Wedding Network Expo has allowed me to connect with people outside of a traditional real estate transaction. And honestly, that's my favorite part.

Because at the end of the day, real estate is about people. It's about where we live, who we live with, the communities we create, and the lives we build inside our homes.

I'm proud to be a Realtor who doesn't just work in the Twin Cities, but actively participates in the community I call home. If you're an LGBTQ+ buyer, seller, or someone simply thinking about making a move, I'd love to be a resource for you. You don't have to be ready to buy or sell.

Sometimes the first step is simply starting a conversation.