Our purpose? It's pretty awesome: We're all about fostering a dynamic community of leaders who aren't just here to make a mark, but to leave a lasting, positive impact on the world around us.
Lynette will discuss her memoir, Wild Things: A Trans-Glam-Punk-Rock Love Story, published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press in 2023. It's the story of her long relationship and forty-plus years' marriage (since 1983) to Venus de Mars and their romance. During this time, Venus develops awareness of her gender, and Lynette and Venus struggle to be themselves. It's also the story of how two people found the courage to be themselves through art and the surrounding arts community.
Author Information
Lynette Reini-Grandell is the author of two books of poetry, Wild Verge and Approaching the Gate, both published by Holy Cow! Press. She teaches English and creative writing at Normandale Community College and the Loft and has received support for her work from the Finlandia Foundation and the Minnesota State Arts Board. A multidisciplinary collaborator, she performs at spoken-word venues with the Bosso Poetry Company and the jazz collective Sonoglyph. Her poetry is part of a permanent installation at the Carlton Arms Art Hotel in Manhattan. The story of her marriage to Venus DeMars is highlighted in Venus of Mars, a feature-length documentary (2004) by Emily Goldberg that has toured film festivals around the world. Lynette and Venus live in Minneapolis.
Joe Swalve
"I was brand-new to Rotary when we started the MN Pride Rotary Club in August 2021. When I stood at the podium delivering the first "Toast to Rotary," it wasn’t only the inaugural toast but also my public coming out.
The last two years have been wonderful as we’ve built the club and started becoming a chosen family!
I am excited to continue building and growing the club as we impart a positive impact on our local LGBTQIA+ community. I am truly passionate about making the world better, kinder and more loving.
Over the last two years, I’ve listened to and taken notes from you all. As we continue to cultivate one of the first LGBTQIA+ Rotary clubs in the world, my goal is to establish the club as part of the DEI conversation at Rotary International with part of the conversation focusing on the marginalization of others, especially about our community. We have something magical going on and it is my honor to continue as president."
Minneapolis, MN 55419
United States of America