LGBTQ+ – West St. Paul Reader

Community Advocate Backed Pride Flag

At this weekend’s sixth annual West St. Paul Pride, former Council Member Julie Eastman was recognized with the Community Advocate Award for supporting efforts to fly the Pride flag at city hall.

Transgender Teen Sues Walmart for Discrimination

A former employee at the West St. Paul Walmart is suing after a supervisor reportedly offered another worker $100 to pull down the transgender teen’s pants.

Local Author Releases Second Children’s Book

West St. Paul resident Julie Schanke Lyford releases her second book, Adi’s Animal Adventure, which showcases the many aquatic animals at Heritage.

New members sworn in during ISD 197 School Board meeting

ISD 197 School Board Recap: Jan. 8, 2024

Newly elected members of the ISD 197 School Board were sworn in and officers elected during the first meeting of the year. Other business included presentations on equity, ISD 917, and Two Rivers High School.

Crowd shot from the Library Advisory Committee meeting (photo by Abigail Hendricks)

Anti-LGBTQ+ Pushback at Dakota County Libraries

Anti-LGBTQ+ activists target the Dakota County Library system, including Wentworth Library in West St. Paul, culminating in a standing-room-only crowd for a Library Advisory Committee meeting.

Stolen Flags Encourage Pride Across West St. Paul

One stolen Pride flag has turned into more than 50 new Pride flags across West St. Paul, thanks to a fundraiser and volunteer effort.

May 22, 2023 West St. Paul City Council meeting

West St. Paul City Council Recap: May 22, 2023

West St. Paul City Council debated and ultimately tabled in-depth changes to the sign ordinance in order to fully understand the impacts. They also proclaimed Wayne Ball Day and Pride Month.

Local Author Launches Second Book With an Animal Adventure

Award-winning local author Julie Schanke Lyford is raising support for her newest children’s book, Adi’s Animal Adventure, on Kickstarter.

WSP Pride 2022 event with vendors and LGBTQ+ flags.

WSP Pride: Community Advocate Award & What Does Pride Mean to You?

The third annual WSP Pride event happened this weekend at the Sports Complex with several hundred people attending and recognition of a local community advocate.

All Are Welcome: ISD 197 Implements Anti-Bias Curriculum

In a national context of schools removing books and teachers being restricted—especially on topics of race and LGBTQ+ issues—ISD 197 will begin using a supplemental anti-bias curriculum to help kids from a range of identities feel welcomed and included.