Robyn Ochs is an educator, speaker, grassroots advocate, and editor of Bi Women Quarterly and two anthologies: the 42-country collection Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World and RECOGNIZE: The Voices of Bisexual Men. Her writings have been published in numerous bi+, women’s studies, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ anthologies, and she has taught courses on LGBTQ+ history & politics at three universities. Among other things, she crafted the definition of bisexuality used by many bi+ activists around the world: “I call myself bisexual because I acknowledge in myself the potential to be attracted — romantically and/or sexually — to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree.” She was named by Teen Vogue as one of “9 Bisexual Women Who are Making History,” and she was chosen to represent Massachusetts on the Advocate‘s “50 States, 50 Heroes” list. In 2024, she was named an LGBT History Icon. Robyn is deeply committed to intersectional and sustainable activism, to working with others to build coalitions across identities and across social movements, to supporting emerging leaders, and to learning and growing. She is particularly interested in bi+ health, the experiences of bi+ people in the workplace, the global bi+ movement, bi+ elders, and bi and LGBTQIA+ youth. Robyn lives in Massachusetts and on May 17, 2004, on the first day it was legal to do so, she married Peg Preble. They were among the first same-sex couples legally married in the U.S. She served for 12 years on the board of directors of MassEquality, Massachsuetts’s statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. During her time on the board, equal marriage was successfully defended (2007) and the Transgender Equal Rights Bill was passed (2011). Robyn has spoken in 49 U.S. states and in 20 countries. An activist for 50 years (so far), she is in it for the long haul.

One Voice Mixed Chorus was formed in 1988—one of the first choruses in the country to bring together people from LGBTQIA+ and ally communities. The intent was to unite for a common goal of creating social change through music; the gay and lesbian communities had already begun working together to address the AIDS crisis, which had reached astronomical proportions, and it was clear that further social change was needed. Today, One Voice is one of the largest LGBTQIA+ choruses in North America, drawn together as members and straight allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. Being a member of One Voice is a profound experience for many chorus members, affecting their sense of identity and connection to community. Together, we dedicate our time and energy to the One Voice mission: “Building community and creating social change by raising our voices in song.”

Kimberly Waigwa (they/them) is a thinker of thoughts, a meower of tunes, a conductor, and an educator dedicated to the goal of intentional music making. They focus on the intersections of racial justice, queer advocacy, and community building. Waigwa strives to expand aspects of learning beyond the musical realm and to dive into the internal work of learning and growing in the spheres of anti-racism, ABDEI, and the music of the global majority. Waigwa has served as a facilitator and clinician for the choral department at Temple University and the Choir School of Delaware. They have presented with GALA Choruses on intentional programming and performing music, as well as serving as a featured clinician and guest conductor with Tone Cluster in Ottawa, CA. They were part of the inaugural class of the Chorus America Choral Executive Leadership Academy, and are currently a member of the American Choral Director Association National Diversity Initiatives Committee (DIC). Most recently, Waigwa presented a session called A-Quired Spaces: Exploring the ins and OUTs of the LGTBQ+ Community Chorus at the Bent But Not Broken Conference and Divisive Concepts and Choral Space: Navigating Challenging Landscapes with the DIC. Waigwa served as artistic director of the Phoenix Women’s Chorus and Desert Voices Mixed Chorus. Additionally, they served as music director of Mountain Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation and held a variety of other musical positions including Interim Director of the St. Nicholas and After School Music Program Choirs, private vocal and piano instructor, and guest conductor with multiple ensembles in southern Arizona. As a conductor, Waigwa has been selected by audition for the National American Choral Directors Association’s Conference masterclass both as an undergraduate student and graduate student. They have had masterclasses with Jason Max Ferdinand, Eugene Rogers, Joe Miller, Ann Howard Jones, Arian Khaefi, Jerry Blackstone, and James Jordan. Waigwa received their masters of music in Choral Conducting at Temple University, a student of Dr. Paul Rardin, and they received their Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, from the University of Arizona. In July 2023, Waigwa took the helm as artistic director of One Voice Mixed Chorus, a queer chorus with the mission of “Building community and creating social change by raising our voices in song.” Waigwa also sings with Elevation, the flagship professional performing ensemble of Elevate Vocal Arts. They are a lover of Star Trek, ice cream, long walks, and podcasts.

Empathetic service, personalized attention: We started with the simple idea of bringing the best from us to you. From our founder to our front-line workers, we put love and careful thought into all we do. We hope you enjoy all we have to offer, and share the experience with others. Evolution of Atlas Defense: Over the years, the founder and community has learned the diversity of ways that we practice and re learn our values. Coming from a heavily indoctrinated background as a colonized person, Manuel left the so called united states marines in 2015 to train his neighbors in the skills he saw were far too often entrusted to the wrong people and organizations.

The Insomniac has been DJing weddings and events around the Twin Cities for almost a decade and enjoys creating fun vibes for any space! She spins a variety of musical genres, from R&B and house music to jazz, country, and rock and roll.

TDJGuncle Catering came to life this past January, when Husbands Tony Xiong and Jeff Springer, and friend David Evert went into business together. TDJGuncle is formerly TnJGuncle. Jeff and Tony have over 15 years of combined catering experience working for other companies, Some of the larger events that they have planned and executed are feeding 500 employees hot meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas for 4 years with Up North Plastics in Cottage Grove, Working with International Sports Management to travel and provide numerous catered events to PGA events throughout the Midwest. We also are approved vendors with The University of Minnesota to provide meals for college students in their Fraternity and Sorority houses. We have worked with three fraternities on a regular basis. Our Catering office is located in the Co-op Business Center, (formally the Cenex Headquarters) at 1185 Concord Street North, Suite 412, in South St. Paul. We have our office there, our catering kitchen, a banquet space that seats 100+, and access to a conference room that seats 40 to 50 people. We have also purchased our first food truck and are in the process of getting it equipped and licensed. We plan to run a PRIDE festival junket as well as rent out the truck for private events. We are also an approved vendor to be able to cater with the State of Minnesota. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or to book your next event.

Hi! My name is Jordan, I am mixed-race and queer, and I am a facilitator who finds beauty in the in-between and loves creating spaces for reflection, connection, and growth. I’m deeply passionate about exploring identity and the power of reconnecting with and owning our lived experiences. Community-building is at the heart of who I am, and I’m excited to see what unfolds through this workshop at BECAUSE. (Fun facts: I am obsessed with boba and have lived on both coasts!)

Minnesota Ki-Aikido offers classes in the modern, nonviolent Japanese martial art of Ki-Aikido. Based on the essential Ki principle “Mind moves Body,” students learn how to maximize the ability that people naturally have, and how to respect and lead others. This training develops the capacity for connection, focus, and relaxation in daily life. Kirsten Welge serves as Assistant Head Instructor for Minnesota Ki-Aikido and Assistant Examiner for the International Ki Society, and holds the ranks of nidan (second degree black belt) in Shinshin Toitsu Aikido and shoden in Shinshin Toitsudo. For more information, please visit our website.

Kelsey Chellsen (they/them) is a neurospicy bisexual non-binary educator based in Saint Paul. Since early childhood they’ve had a strong sense of social justice and harmony, and have now found their niche working with kids aged 0-100. They adore the queer connections they have made through One Voice Mixed Chorus and are currently passionate about community building and grassroots activism as a member of the Singing Resistance. Kelsey strongly believes in the power of genuine human connection and the importance of play and imperfection. They can often be found curled up with a book alongside their pets and partner, doing arts and crafts with friends, and pretty much anything related to Dungeons and Dragons.

By trade, Nikki and Todd are scientists, with Nikki being a microbiologist and Todd working in medical device research. Both Todd and Nikki are also involved in social activism. Todd is a current board member for the Bisexual Organizing Project, and Nikki is active in the Korean adoptee community. Both of them also have a passion for helping others through difficult times, especially when it comes to mental health. Nikki and Todd both came out later in life. They’ve made it through infidelity and are now in an open relationship. They’ve also raised children with special needs together. Check out their workshop to learn more about their story.

Nicole has been a dedicated queer organizer, advocate, and activist for 14 years, working to make the world a more inclusive and equitable place. She started this work in 2012, joining the leadership team of her town's "Vote No" campaign, which paved the way to marriage equality in Minnesota. She later completed training with the Veterans Organizing Institute and got connected to a nationwide network of progressive activists. Nicole is a former spokeswoman of pregressive veterans' group, Common Defense, and she served as the first Executive Director of TransformingFamilies, and organization dedicated to creating a better world for trans youth and their families. She's passionate about community and people power, and she has served on the boards of advocacy organizations that focus on trans rights and family support. Nicole has worked on a variety of issues, from diversity education to queer competency. She's spoken at organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs and Know Worldwde, helping others create more inclusive environments. Whether she's facilitating peer support groups for trans adults, youth, or families, or speaking at conferences and media events, Nicole's mission remains the same: to uplift and empower queer communities through advocacy, education, and action.

Sarah Ann is a well-rounded professional in child development. She has a degree in education and many years of extra experience from working directly with children to facilitating training for other child development professionals. In her opinion, some of her most vital work has been with young parents. Developing programs and community for them is a passion of hers. As she was a young parent herself, she gives a unique perspective to those who find themselves under her instruction. She knows that every child and parent are individuals who have their own needs, and she tailors her guidance accordingly. In her personal life, she practices what she preaches. Many of her children are queer, including pansexual, transgender, and lesbian. Whether it’s raising her own teenagers or the revolving door of other teens who come into her life for guidance, a warm meal, or a roof over their heads, she is always there with her arms and heart open.

In his freetime, Thorn enjoys the outdoors, theatre, and music, but hardwork is his middle name. While he has no formal background in child care, he has been babysitting since he was young and has been raised by early childhood educators who kept him well-versed in what kids want and need. Thorn has been doing child care for BECAUSE since 2021, and he is excited to be back for another year. His babysitting and child care experiences include working with neurotypical and neurodivergent children. He comes from a large family with varied backgrounds and children with many different needs, so he is able to handle a diverse range of children.

Ashley is an early childhood educator with a little bit of experience doing a lot of things. At past BECAUSE events, you may have seen here co-running a workshop on living life while polyamorous, or you may have seen her running around trying to figure out just the right place for the best event photos. Whether it's her students, BECAUSE, her crafts, or her people, Ashley has passion for everything she does. This year, she won't be found running a workshop, but she will be co-leading the conference and is a great person to find if you need any help during BECAUSE.