Simon Moore

Tell us a little bit about you! For example, things like how long you’ve lived in Bismarck, demographic info (age, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc), hobbies, current and/or past community or organization involvement, etc. 

Usually my speech gives me away, but since I’m writing, I’ll tell you I’m not from here. I was born and raised in Providence, RI and moved to Bismarck in January 2020. I live here with my partner Sunshine and her son Artie. Living in Bismarck is still new for all three of us and we’re figuring out how to make it our home while holding our values close.

What else? I’m a straight, cis, 46-year-old, white man. A former basketball player. A frequent basketball watcher. A better-than-average Boggle player. An everyday tea drinker. For work, I split my time between being a consultant to community-based nonprofits and serving as director of the Bismarck Library Foundation.

How or why did you become involved in advocacy work?

As an adult, I’ve dedicated my work to building power and resources in communities fighting discrimination. As you might imagine, this was shaped by my early life and inspired by many others doing good work. My parents were strong influences. My mom was heavily involved in education organizing for much of my childhood. She taught me to speak up and act when you see injustice. My dad is one of the most open-minded, curious people I know. He taught me to seek understanding rather than be guided by judgment and to recognize that our way isn’t the only way.

What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about LGBTQIA advocacy in North Dakota? What motivates you to keep going? 

Although I’m a cis, straight man, LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy is for my own benefit and for my own community. My family and close friends are a diverse group. So my advocacy is motivated by wanting to honor my relationships and live with integrity. How can I authentically love my LGBTQIA2S+ friends and family yet be passive when confronted with hatred or the exclusionary laws of our legislature? In our current environment, the stakes are incredibly high, which makes the work simultaneously challenging and rewarding. My intent is to integrate my values and actions by contributing to a North Dakota that’s safe, welcoming, and inclusive of my community.

Where would you like to see North Dakota in 5, 10, 15 years? What can other people do to help make that happen?

Think about this. In the 1930s, Bismarck hosted a racially integrated semi-pro baseball team, many years before the color barrier was broken in the major leagues. Or, traditional Lakota societies always fully included wíŋkte, two-spirit people, ages before Stonewall or the LGBTQIA2S+ rights movements in the US. While it’s hard to imagine present-day North Dakota at the leading edge of progress toward a more just world, remember that this is just a moment. When I look at the history of our region, there are other moments that give me profound hope.

I imagine a future North Dakota that builds on these examples – where LGBTQIA2S+ folks, citizens of Native nations, and people of color are celebrated for their contributions to our shared community, represented in our institutions, and in positions of influence around the state.

Achieving this requires all of us, so I urge my fellow straight, cis, white folks who value care, generosity, and inclusivity to speak up. Let’s be vocal in advancing a more just North Dakota. We’re often worried about the negative repercussions of speaking up. The fear is grounded in reality – I’ve faced it first-hand. But it doesn’t relieve of us a moral imperative to act. So let’s get to it!

If you could offer social advocates any advice, what would it be? 

To repeat myself, if like me, you’re white, straight, and cis, it’s time to step up. Maybe even act up. We have safety and trust with dominant audiences that are privileges we can use to be heard. At the same time, it’s vital to act in partnership with LGBTQIA2S+ folks and communities of color. Our job is to support the agenda, not set the agenda. I recommend building relationships with community organizations, like Dakota OutRight, that take the lead and help us define our roles as supporters.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or your advocacy work? 

I feel undeserving. Dakota OutRight does such vital work creating welcoming spaces, visibly celebrating our LGBTQIA2S+ community, and creating joy in a challenging, even threatening, environment. Its deeply meaningful to be recognized by an organization I admire so much. Many thanks!

Andrea Rebsom

Tell us a little bit about you! For example, things like how long you’ve lived in Bismarck, demographic info (age, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc), hobbies, current and/or past community or organization involvement, etc.

 Andrea Rebsom (She/Her)-Moved to Bismarck approximately ten years ago after graduating college with my Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Hobbies include playing softball, guitar, roller skating, facetiming with my nine-year-old niece to play battleship even though most times she wins, and spending time with my amazing friends for s’more parties and family hiking near our family lodge in South Dakota. Founder of the Downtown Show Kindness Project.

 How or why did you become involved in advocacy work?

 I initially became involved in advocacy work in college when I was President of SOTA (Students Other Than Average). I became President by default-I was the only member. It was an organization that offered scholarships to single parents, students who were in the military, older students, etc. and with less than $25 in its account, not many scholarships could be given out. This led to the buy a SODA for SOTA fundraisers with me trailing around campus with a cooler full of pop. This then led to the first aluminum can recycling facility built on campus. The second year we had over ten members and I was actually nominated as President. SOTA gave out numerous scholarships and were nominated for club of the year. SOTA was also the first club at Dickinson State University to have a fundraiser for Dakota Outright. I often think back to that time when challenges arise in my life that seem insurmountable.

 What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about LGBTQIA advocacy in North Dakota? What motivates you to keep going?

 I think the most rewarding and most challenging work is all encompassed in being an advocate and sticking your neck out in the world. There is always going to be that one person or that one business that was unkind to you as a result of your advocacy work, but the remainder were absolutely wonderful to work with so it’s all about perspective and focusing on the positive. Seeing growth in your own advocacy work is a pretty cool thing to be a part of and motivates me to keep going.

 Where would you like to see North Dakota in 5, 10, 15 years? What can other people do to help make that happen?

 Soon there will be LED lights downtown with the rainbow lights on for the entire month of June. And work is being done to get some pride flags flown downtown and a few at the Capitol. I think people should not be afraid to ask questions and instead start asking how can we make this happen in our state.

 If you could offer social advocates any advice, what would it be?

 If you are passionate about something, please know it means you have been given a gift. And by gift it means you are unstoppable. So when people tell you no or that it’s a great idea…but, all you need to do is use that as fuel to keep going and know that your passion will lead you to where you want to go.

 Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or your advocacy?

 The Downtown Show Kindness Project is in its fourth year now. The project originally started in Bismarck but has now expanded into Mandan and each year it gets a little bigger. The Downtown businesses do so much for the LGBTQIA community by offering discounts, door prizes, etc. during pride weekend and they need our support all year round.

Kristie Wolff

Tell us a little bit about you! For example, things like how long you’ve lived in Bismarck, demographic info (age, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc), hobbies, current and/or past community or organization involvement, etc. 

Kristie Wolff (she/her)I’m a cisgender female, inching closer and closer to the age of 50. I was born in rural North Dakota, moved to Bismarck when I was nine, and I now live in Mandan with my wonderful husband, Jeremy, and our three fur babies. I’m also a proud mom of two amazing adult sons.

 Professionally, I’ve been dedicated to nonprofit work for most of my career. Currently, I’m the communications coordinator for Central Dakota Forensic Nurse Examiners, where I handle public education, marketing, community and partner relations, and advocacy. My prior work included various women’s issues and tobacco prevention.

 When I’m not busy with work, you can usually find me lost in an audiobook, true crime podcast, or reality TV show. Music is my ultimate passion. I love attending live music events and will always have a special place in my heart for 80s/90s hair bands.

How or why did you become involved in advocacy work? 

My advocacy work began on a very personal level just over 20 years ago when my son was diagnosed with autism. Back then, I was lucky to be surrounded by some amazing moms and advocates who really helped make our journey a bit smoother. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had a voice and the potential to make a difference. I knew I wanted to follow in the footsteps of those incredible people who helped us, so I reached out to them for mentorship. They taught me so much and inspired me to get involved in advocacy myself.

What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about LGBTQIA advocacy in North Dakota? What motivates you to keep going?

Every step forward, every victory, no matter how small, whether it’s policy related or witnessing someone flourish in their personal journey, is rewarding. There are many challenges, but the biggest is probably combating all the misinformation.

 What motivates me most is the individuals I get to work with and the amazing new people I meet along the way. I’m especially inspired seeing the youth step up and use their voices to make positive change. It gives me hope.

Where would you like to see North Dakota in 5, 10, 15 years? What can other people do to help make that happen? 

 I would love North Dakota to become a place where individuals feel empowered to live authentically and be celebrated for who they are, regardless of background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

To make progress towards this goal we need to support local LGBTQIA organizations, stay informed, vote, organize, advocate, repeat.

If you could offer social advocates any advice, what would it be? 

 First, never stop learning. It’s perfectly okay to not have all the answers. Second, find your people. Having a supportive circle is crucial—they’ll help you through the tough days and be right beside you celebrating the victories. Third, don’t forget to take time to care for yourself. Advocacy work can be just as draining as it is rewarding. If your battery runs out, you won’t be able to help others as effectively.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or your advocacy work?

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has allowed me to be a part of their journey. I’ve learned so much and gained many incredible friendships along the way.

The HUB

Champion of Champions 2024

Tell us a little bit about you! For example, things like how long you’ve lived in Bismarck, demographic info (age, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc), hobbies, current and/or past community or organization involvement, etc. 

I was born and raised in Bismarck, North Dakota and still call it home to this day. I’m an out gay man in the heart of the Midwest, a proud enrolled member of the MHA Nation, and an outspoken activist. I have indeed become accustomed to a truly unique perspective of my surroundings through my life experiences.

 I officially joined the board of directors of Dakota OutRight at the beginning of 2016, with that opened an entirely new and exciting yet uncertain chapter of my personal life. I remember it so vividly, stepping foot into the interview room with the then-board members present, ready to be grilled openly with their questions and downdressings. The Board was immediately impressed throughout the process and welcomed me openly into their organization for which I will always be grateful.

There was a lot of uncertainty in the area of queer rights in America at that time as has been the ongoing issue in this country, but after the monumental Supreme Court ruling in 2015 for marriage equality, I felt compelled to do something more than I was doing despite not realizing exactly what it was I could contribute to this intrepid group of volunteers and activists. I ended up spending eight incredible and fulfilling full years of my life with the board of Dakota OutRight and am proud to still be involved with it today, although formally stepping down from my board position at the end of 2023. I am proud to have served DOR in the capacities I was privileged as a full board member, Secretary, Events Committee chairperson, Capital Pride co-chair year after year, an activist, organizer, speaker, representative, collaborator, innovator, panelist, orator, lecturer and most proudly as the organization’s first Indigenous POC unanimously elected to serve as the Dakota OutRight President for 2 years consecutively out of my 8 years with this amazing organization!

 Outreach and educational activism has been the sustaining breath of my life and I’m always grateful to be a part of a community that works hard toward positive and enlightening change. I have learned an excellent amount about myself and the communities I serve, and I’m proud to continue this work.

The common person can certainly achieve astounding feats if they persist and challenge themselves, it’s worth the effort.

I will always remain grateful to the people who supported, challenged, applauded, and loved me through these efforts and those valuable moments.

 At heart, I’m a big nerd and always have been (shout out to my fellow nerds!), I’ve been a devoted Trekkie all my life, yes, I do love Star Wars too (I don’t want an incident over this long-lived rivalry); however, Star Trek has been and is always my first love. When I left my board position with DOR I was able to finally fulfill my long-time goal of starting a small but amazing Star Trek club that meets monthly now at Comic/Chakra/Cafe Realms in Bismarck (Shout out to my Realms family!! I love you, thank you for always embracing me and my fellow nerds and misfits!!). I love my family and friends so much and hold them close, they’ve supported me and loved me through my highest points and my deepest lows, and they’ve seen me through every phase of my journey. I keep my circle of friends close to me, and they never fail to make me a better person. I cannot express completely enough how much they mean to me. My family has been my foundation, always supporting and teaching me along the way and helping me to remain truthful to my values and story, I love you!

 How or why did you become involved in advocacy work?

I’ve been involved with volunteer work from a very young age, always grounded in the North Dakota principles of hard work, community, and decency for our fellow neighbors. I’ve always been a person who enjoys witnessing change and progress happen in real-time, so I’ve tried to model my activism after this fact and try to make change where possible. There is a deep-rooted need for outreach, education, and deeply rooted empathy in North Dakota for every demographic and I am constantly working singularly and involved with group efforts, hoping for long-term betterment for everyone.

 What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about LGBTQIA advocacy in North Dakota? What motivates you to keep going?

The most rewarding part is the people. I’ve met some truly outstanding people in my activism work, people who humble me and teach me more than they realize. We have some outstanding people living and working in North Dakota, as activists and just generally as people and I’m proud of that fact.

This work is difficult simply because there is such a great need for changes but also a great need for more people, energy, and persistence. This work can be greatly rewarding but also exhausting, it can bring you to new heights but also bring your spirit to lows when the reality of where we are sometimes feels defeating. The effort is always worth it, we must always remember to care for the ones who we work for but also for ourselves, our family, and supporters who are truly an asset and should always be remembered and appreciated.

What motivates me to continue progressing, pushing, excelling, and fighting is that the work I do affects the ones I know, the people I love, my neighbors, and strangers. The younger and older, the activists of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The work we do matters deeply, we do it because someone needs to do it, so why not you?

Where would you like to see North Dakota in 5, 10, or 15 years? What can other people do to help make that happen?

 Ideally, I would love to see North Dakota become a state that welcomes everyone openly, realistically I am hyper-aware of the reality of this place but can continue to hope for more. North Dakota is truly a remarkable place, as a born native of this state I can attest to the wonders that North Dakota may offer but I can also do the same of the opposite. As a queer POC person born into this state, I am very aware of the uphill battles and the struggles experienced in my scope and experiences, with every positive quality this state has instilled within me there is an equally demoralizing quality felt all around us.

North Dakota has a long and difficult road to travel, but I remain confident that there will be those who see the potential and continue pushing forward.

I implore people constantly to get involved, to not just say but also do, to continue to show passive support but strive for outright and blatant support of the human rights issues we face today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

I’ve always said openly that there is a distinct difference between blissful ignorance and willful ignorance. If you’re blissfully ignorant you may not know better but when you learn and grow, then you have a choice to make. You can remain blissfully ignorant for only so long before your choice presents itself, to remain willfully ignorant is an injustice to you and everyone around you.

 If you could offer social advocates any advice, what would it be?

*Quite simply, you are doing the hard work and should be cognizant of it. We too often diminish our achievements and hardships and face harsh criticisms from our opposition but also, most unfortunately, from our colleagues in this field at times despite our best efforts and intentions. You must always be aware that you are uniquely working towards change, take pride in that work, and remember that you’re allowed to breathe and rest when you’re tired. It’s worth the effort to do the hard work but never forget you’re worth the effort to take of yourself and stay in the fight!

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or your advocacy work?

 It’s important to remember that although I am deeply humbled and grateful for this recognition, this award does not define my years of service. This moment does not define me as a whole person, so despite receiving this recognition, I remain steadfast and determined to continue working towards a North Dakota that is wholly and completely welcoming to everyone. I remain hopeful there will be brighter days ahead, new friendships to create, and bonds that may be strengthened for us all.

My activism work has given me a voice I use today, it has taught me a great deal about people and my surroundings, these lessons still guide me just as strongly today and they’re invaluable.

I would like to say thank you, wholeheartedly, to all of you.

It was all worth it.

It’s still all worth it.