On Friday, Oct. 24, from 7:30-9 p.m., Or Emet will host a Shabbat service led by Rabbi Eva Cohen, followed by a program and social time. The evening’s events will take place at the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Road, Minneapolis. 

Matt Lewellyn-Otten

Following the service, Matt Lewellyn-Otten (they/he), director of religious and community organizing for OutFront Minnesota, will present “The State of the State: 2SLGBTQIA+ Rights in Minnesota Today.” (2SLGBTQIA+ stands for Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual+.)

Lewellyn-Otten will discuss their work with OutFront Minnesota, as well as the ways in which white Christian nationalism deeply affects 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in Minnesota. 

Lewellyn-Otten joined the OutFront Minnesota team in 2021. They work with faith communities and other communities across the state to build the power of the LGBTQIA+ community, listen to the needs of queer people and their allies, educate the public on issues affecting the queer community and mobilize communities to create systemic change.

Lewellyn-Otten holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the College of Charleston and a Master of Divinity degree from the Boston University School of Theology. In their studies and career, they have sought ways to build better understanding across communities and create spaces of connection and growth. 

Those who cannot attend the program in person may join over Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.

Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective. For more information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.