Relocation (MN)

[Dev]

Hello all,
    I am wondering if there is anybody from or in Minnesota that can give me so advice, heads up info, etc.  I have never been in the state other then passing through, so to know I am going to live there now is pretty scary since I don't know where to start.  I really don't fancy the idea of starting over with my life, but at the same time maybe being in a bigger city will help me meet more people like myself.

[tekla]

The Twin Cities (Minn/St. Paul) were one of the first places to pass a TG rights law.  Its a pretty progressive and liberal climate.  Its also got a pretty vibrant arts deal going on, one of the best rock clubs in the nation (First Avenue).  Its very pretty, lots of old homes and nice neighborhoods.

On the other hand, unless you grew up in Point Barrow Alaska or on the North Dakota/Canada border you can't even begin to imagine how friggin cold it can get there in the middle of the winter.  And the summers can get very hot and humid.  Oh yeah, when they say the state bird is the mosquito they ain't kidding and they are the biggest mosquitoes I've ever seen.  The black flys are pretty big too.

However, I would go up in the winter, and when you are out in the woods when its -30 below zero, its very still.  And a darn good reason to buy whiskey.

They do have very strong LGBQT groups, and a lot of places to go including the Walker Art Center and the Guthrie Theater is considered one of the best in the world.  And you have The Dales - Southdale, Westdale and all those malls, and the Mall of the Americas so shopping is good.

You can go up to the North Woods and canoe for weeks through pristine wilderness (watch out for the Moose, they are very ill tempered) and cross country ski most of the state.

[Melissa-kitty]

There are a few of us from MN around.. give a shout with questions, and we'll try to help out. MPLS and St.Paul are pretty progressive, most of the rest of the state can be pretty redneck. Yes, we do talk like they did in the movie, "Fargo". You'll learn how, too. Ya, you betcha.
Tara

[Jamie-o]

Trans specific info: Google "MN Transgender Health Coalition", and you will find an excellent resource for local trans groups, trans-friendly doctors/dentists/therapists, etc.  There is an FtM group, called T-Men, who meet in the Twin Cities once a month or so and have a Yahoo group called MNBoyz (a fabulous place to get local info).  Also, the University of MN in Minneapolis has extensive services for transfolk, as well (though they're expensive, and because they are part of the University, you have to go through more red tape with them).

[Dev]

Thanks all.  I looked at some of the sites but they were very outdated, so did not know if they were old sites or the groups were dead.  It seems like a great place and I am working with a transfer councelor at U of M to get into a major I want, so I may work with them more once I am settled. 

Seems like a great place and can't wait to see it.  I think I will be okay with the cold after living in Maine for a few years and being from the south, the redneck just can't compare to what I have been around growing up.  I have other questions, but I will wait till I know things are more official on the move before I start the 20 questions (plus some).