The Northwoods Queer Outreach originally began as a series of conversations between colleagues Dr. Kate Larson, associate professor of psychology and Dr. Kathryn Klement, assistant professor of psychology. Both instructors for human sexuality and co-advisors of the BSU student organization the Phoenix, which serves 2SLGBTQIA2S+ students, Drs. Larson and Klement had noticed that there was a lack of space and support for queer and transgender folks on campus and in the larger Bemidji community. Thus, the seeds for the NQO were planted and through further discussions, the vision and goals were created.