Who and What Are 'Saints'?

The Ladies of the Lakes bestow the title of Saint to someone whose life and accomplishments are exemplary and in keeping with LOL’s philosophy, mission, and statements of purpose.

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Saint Dances with JLube, Karri Plowman

Karri has been an active part of the Twin Cities community for many years. He is the co-owner of Twin Cities Leather & Latte, a café and adult leather emporium. Through his business he not only offers custom leatherwork and kick ass coffee, he offers a safe community gathering space for many individuals, clubs and organizations to utilize at no cost, and displays the work of local artists in the community.

Saint Rubber Harder Faster Longer, Greg Wisa (Tynan)

Tynan has been active in the Twin Cities and across the country. He is a long time sex educator and blogger, and is the other co-owner of Twin Cities Leather and Latte, providing valuable support and space for many people across the Twin Cities communities. At Twin Cities Leather & Latte, Karri and Tynan also support efforts to help homeless youth in the Twin Cities year round through fundraising and clothing donations.

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Saint Chick N Hawk, Tim Balfanz

Tim managed The Saloon MN for several years. Through this Tim has supported drag arts, the leather community, and many others. He has worked tirelessly to utilize the Saloon’s platform, a staple of Minneapolis LGBTQ life, to bring positive spaces for all walks of life in the Twin Cities community. Tim has also been known to be a mother to several and to personally assist strangers in need. He was pivotal in founding the Seville Fund, with Sister Marsha Dymes, through which he and The Saloon have supported LGBTQ youth facing homelessness with financial resources to transition to stable housing and career paths.

Saint Walk of No Shame, Kimberia J Sherva Plante (Eun Bee Yes)

Kimberia is the executive director of SlutWalk Minneapolis, show director of Transcendence, dragesque performer, member of the Imperial Court of Minnesota, and all-around bubbly creature. Zer work in supporting and representing queer, transgender, and POC communities has made a major impact on the local social climate. Zie is a champion for the disenfranchised and takes a no-holds-barred approach to zer activism. The Sisters are eternally grateful for Kimberia’s work and the mutual support network we have established.

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Saint Mother-Pucker of the Luscious Lips, Gosh Alice Jones

Gosh Alice Jones has been performing since the age of dinosaurs and with short arms like hers has been called the G-Rex. She has a brain for business and a body for sin but her heart for service is what keeps this gal so busy around town. You can catch Gosh volunteering with charities, charity cases, and Pride events throughout the state. She has worn many hats, titles, and titties over the millennia but her absolute
favorite is Saint.

Saint UnabASHed, Defender of Our Streets, Dragon in the Sheets, Ashley N. Scott (Dragon Pup)

Ashley, Ash, Scott, Dragon Pup or Ashton the Adorable Lover are all names this fun and deep loving human goes by. They are Multi-spirited, gender non conforming and use he/him/his/they/them/ thier pronouns. A BIPOC Transgender Retired Disabled Army Veteran, Serving for 11 and a half years, including overseas in Kuwait and Iraq, and served in the Virginia Honor Guard. Membership captain for Twin Cites T-Rexx for the past 2 years and also 2 years as Vice President for Twin Cities Spectrum, recently elected President. A consummate Drag King performer for well over a decade and can be seen performing for fundraisers in the Minneapolis scene. An adorable pup at heart, Ash loves to play whenever the opportunity presents itself. Ash is Mr. Twin Cities Leather 2020/2021. Ash does a lot of public speaking and fundraising for things that intersect his life like transgender, BIPOC, toxic masculinity, military and unseen disabilities issues. A firm believer in the need to promote education and tolerance, Ash volunteers and supports many different educational events across the Twin Cities and the greater LGBTQ+ and Leather Communities. With their advocacy and actions they hope to give love, strength, courage, and fill that loneliness inside when people struggle to see someone like themselves. Many transgender people, especially transgender women of color, aren’t safe. Ash loves a chance to meet new people, and is excited for the opportunity to give hugs, love and show up and show out for their many intersectionalitiesAsh stands here to be a mouthpiece and to claim their space.

Saint Bill-do, Shot Slinger and Queen Wrangler, William Luedke

Coming Soon!

Saint Red Riding, Running, Dining Out to End HIV, Dylan Boyer

Coming soon!

Where and What Are 'Sacred Spaces'?

Sacred Spaces are establishments where the Ladies of the Lakes have a strong presence at and experience with. They have not only shown us great support and hospitality, but their community as well.

The Saloon

“As the cornerstone of downtown Minneapolis nightlife and gaylife, The Saloon has proudly served the Twin Cities LGBTQ community for more than 35 years, earning the reputation as its premiere going-out destination. Energizing atmosphere, pulsating dance floors, world-class entertainment, numerous bars to stay hydrated and an excess of gorgeous men to meet are just a few of the many reasons to visit. A good show has always been our thing—you won’t want to miss the wet’n’wild shower platform (rub-a-dub) on select evenings. Come for karaoke, our amazing contests, exclusive shows, charity events and infamous Saloon Pride Block Party featuring famous headliner divas. Our join any ole’ regular day to have a good time with good friends! The Saloon has the whole package. Hope to see you soon.”

Twin Cities Leather & Latte

“Twin Cities Leather opened on December 8th, 2012. After a short stint in a basement shop in Loring Park, they relocated in the summer of 2013, adding a full service coffee shop to our service line. Twin Cities Leather & Latte was proud to be the world’s only full-service leather and kink retail shop and coffee shop combined. They have closed as of September 30, 2019.”

The Pride Institute

Pride Institute offers inclusive and accepting recovery programs for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride first opened in 1986 and has since gone on to be one of the leading providers in the area of residential and outpatient program treatment for substance use and addiction needs of the LGBTQ+ population.

While each client’s recovery program is tailored to their individual journey, all programming at Pride is specifically developed for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Staff members are embracing, supportive and inclusive.