Welcome to OutWords!
A huge thanks to those who attended, sponsored, or supported the 9th annual LGBTQIA2S+ Summit! We look forward to seeing you again next year in Bismarck, October 15th through the 17th, for our 10th anniversary!
A reminder that we are also looking for folks to join the OutWords and Forward 701 teams!
Email us at forward701network@gmail.com to learn more!
News & Features
LGBTQ History Month Spotlights: Celebrating Unsung Icons
Throughout October, GLAAD is spotlighting some of the countless unsung LGBTQ pioneers, changemakers, and trailblazers whose stories and achievements remain instrumental in understanding our shared history.
Ahead of the midterms, Meta has paid at least 29 anti-LGBTQ accounts for their posts
The company’s invite-only program for content creators has accounts promoting white supremacy, neo-Nazi ideologies, and histories of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.
Opinions & Columns
The LGBTQ+ movement is broken. Here's how we might fix it
Opinion: QWELL Community Foundation's Clayton Gibson argues that queer people must look beyond political and celebrity activism to build stronger communities, economic power, and lasting support systems
The future of Pride is not guaranteed. That's why we must fight for it.
Capital Pride Alliance's Ryan Bos warns that shrinking sponsorships, rising costs, and political hostility threaten the LGBTQ+ organizations that serve communities year-round.
Events & Announcements
Sitting Bull College Two Spirit Club Presents: Fashion Show
Design something fabulous and bring a model to walk the runway to compete!
Open to all ages! Win cash prizes!
November 14th, 2026
5:00 pm
SBC Auditorium
Fort Yates, ND
For more information, contact:
Glen Philbrick - glen.philbrick@sittingbull.edu
Alex Eagle - alex.eagle@sittingbull.edu, 701-455-2049
Calls to Action
Be a part of Faye Seidler’s Transgender Night of Hope Video!
Submit a message of hope and promise
Anyone in North Dakota
You do not have to be trans!
Deadline: November 8th
November 20th at 9:00 pm
For more information: https://www.fayeseidlerconsulting.com/night-of-hope-2026.html
Join a board!
Gender Justice is seeking passionate, innovative volunteer leaders to join their Board of Directors! Learn more and join an upcoming in-person and virtual meet & greets in Minnesota and North Dakota: https://www.genderjustice.us/join-our-board/
Check out a meeting!
Join the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition LGBTQ+ Legislative Working Group:
LGBTQ+ Legislative Working Group
Tuesday, August 25 · 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Time zone: America/Chicago
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vva-unti-daw
Or dial: (US) +1 252-858-0088 PIN: 982 750 916#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/vva-unti-daw?pin=1901471007728
Join Forward 701’s Pride Statewide Monthly Meeting:
Pride Statewide
Tuesday, September 1 · 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Time zone: America/Chicago
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/boj-nxyg-htj
Or dial: (US) +1 720-504-5525 PIN: 217 456 174#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/boj-nxyg-htj?pin=4330892820794
OutWords needs YourWords!
This new endeavor for connecting and creating community by informing queer North Dakota is a new and growing effort. That effort needs you. If you’d like to help create original content by being a regular or occasional writer, contributor, or volunteer, please let us know! Contact forward701network@gmail.com and let us know how you can offer some skill, talent, and time.
In Case You Missed It
Matthew Shepard remembered 28 years after brutal homophobic murder
“He was a total nerd,” said Romaine Patterson, the 45-year-old LGBTQ+ rights activist and close friend of Matthew Shepard, whose brutal murder 28 years ago shocked the US.