The Rainbow Wellness Collective, established in 2023, is a vibrant and inclusive community center in the heart of Greater St. Cloud. The Collective is the only center serving the 2SLGBTQIA community in Minnesota. 2SLGBTQIA represents Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Androgynous persons. “With a population of around 14,000 2SLGBTQIA individuals in our community, we recognize the need for a space where everyone feels welcomed and supported. That's why we created the Rainbow Wellness Collective—a haven for connection, growth, and celebration,” shared Founder & Board Member Seal Dwyer.
“As the only center of its kind in Minnesota, we take pride in being a beacon of inclusivity and support. Our commitment to accessibility is unwavering, with all community spaces fully ADA-accessible, ensuring everyone can participate and engage without barriers.” The Rainbow Wellness Collective believes in fostering a sense of belonging and combating isolation. Their diverse range of offerings reflects this commitment, including Supportive Spaces, Holistic Classes, a Versatile Event Space, and Community Engagement.
Dwyer grew up in St. Cloud and is proud to serve the community they love. “I have always loved this community. I am a trauma therapist serving the 2SLGBTQIA community, and as my clients start to get better, one of the most common things I hear is that they need community. They'd report that they were doing better but were isolated. There was nowhere for folks from teens to elders to spend time. During COVID, we all noticed the lack of community even more. Then, my therapy practice started growing, and so we started looking for a location that could house our classes and community activities, as well as my practice. We visited every single building downtown that was for rent or sale because we wanted to stay in Downtown St. Cloud, but it was hard to find what we wanted. We wanted a space big enough to house my practice, and the other organizations that support 2SLGBTQIA folks, like St. Cloud Pride, Queerspace Collective, and OutFront Minnesota. We wanted space that would hold community events, movement and art classes, adulting classes, and just space for folks to hang out. It also had to be fully ADA-Accessible. When we first toured the Lahr Building, it was exactly what we wanted: offices plus space for our community center. And it was fully accessible. Thanks to numerous organizations and donors working together, we made our dream of the only 2SLGBTQIA center in Minnesota happen. We purchased the building on November 17, 2023. Since then, we've hosted classes, events, meetings, and presentations. We are partnering with numerous organizations, like Stearns History Museum, Whitney Senior Center, and Planned Parenthood. We are so proud of the work we've done and what we've created that is uniquely St. Cloud.”
And yes, if you’re reading that - the Rainbow Wellness Collective ‘did things backwards’ from the traditional find-funding, then find the building process. “We know most organizations have a dream and build up for a long time, then buy the building. We bought the building and then had faith that we could build up our organization from there. So, sometimes funding is touch and go, but we're doing it and growing!”
In addition to the partnerships above, the Collective works with a variety of groups and organizations in Greater St. Cloud. “We work with Whitney Senior Center, Planned Parenthood, Stearns History Museum, Great River Children's Museum, Queerspace Collective, OutFront Minnesota, St. Cloud Pride, Seal Dwyer Counseling, and many, many more. So many people have supported our dreams and goals. Tom and Janet Grones helped make buying the building possible. Devin at MinnWest Bank helped with our funding process. Tom Jelinski helped with insurance. Eric O'Brien was our realtor and helped make this a reality… All the community partners, all of our tenants, all of our volunteers … we're so grateful for each and every one of them.”
The Greater St. Cloud communities continue to show up for the Rainbow Wellness Collective and its community, something Dwyer is proud to see and hopes it continues. “I am so proud to be part of this town. I say it all the time: there are only seven people here, and they all know each other. It's such a small big-town. I am proud of being part of this community, bringing growth and vibrancy to mix with the roots and the history.”
If you’re curious about the Collective and want to get involved, there are many ways to do so. “We welcome donations, of course, and we love more volunteers. Come to our classes and events. There are a variety of events during Pride Month (June), including a Drag Show, Senior Pride Bingo, and the Bizarre Bazaar. I am also teaching Yoga for Trauma workshops, too. Check out our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.”
“At the Rainbow Wellness Collective, we are not just a community center; we are a movement – striving to break down barriers and create a space where everyone can thrive. Join us on this journey towards wellness, inclusivity, and connection in Central Minnesota. Together, we're transforming isolation into celebration.”
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