Meet The Team

Founded in the Winter of 2022, The Brass Strap is a group of four dedicated queer artists, cultural workers, community organizers, and service workers across industries that are in the early stages of opening a cooperatively owned Queer & Lesbian bar in South Minneapolis.

We aim to provide an inclusive space for an intergenerational, intersectional community of Twin Cities residents to connect, share skills, support local artists, build chosen families, and above all else — feel safe & seen.

  • CJ Jennings (they/them)

    Co-Founder & Project Coordinator

    CJ is Originally from St. Louis, Missouri. They moved to Minneapolis 6 years ago and have made a home here and found a beautiful community. They love making spaces and drinks for queers when not hitting the books to become an attorney! CJ's go to drink is Utepils' Ewald the Golden.

  • WORDSWORTH MUSINGUZI (he/him)

    Co-Founder & Creative Director

    Wordsworth is a photographer and visual artist originally from Franklin Township, NJ, now based in Minneapolis, MN. Informed by his work documenting subculture and social movements across the U.S., he enjoys engaging local communities through art installations, publications and workshops that resonate across identities and cultures. He enjoys long bike rides, street tacos, and relaxing on a beach with cold brew. Word's go to drink is a Bell's Two Hearted.

  • MADDY FLISK (SHE/HER)

    Co-Founder & Membership Coordinator

    Maddy is originally from Chicago, but in the past 7 years Minneapolis has become her home. She has worked in the service and healthcare industries, and is currently a labor organizer, and of course Brass Strap cofounder! Her drink of choice is a mezcal margarita.

  • Nel Muñoz (She/Her)

    Co-Founder & Culinary Director

    Nel is a filmmaker, musician, and cook who has worked in the service industry for 10 plus years. With her art and community work, she is working to create a world that the kid version of her would love. Her favorite drink is Fernet.

FAQs

  • We are currently working with a broker to find the perfect space, but we need your help to make this a reality! Your membership will help us get the capital we need to get our space. Check out our membership options here!

  • We anticipate opening in 2025. We have come a long way since our first event back in 2022, but we still have some work to do! It took us time to build a team of consultants, advisors, and collaborators who have taught us and mentored us over the past two years. This support, alongside our dedicated communities lifting us up, have set us up for success with a strong foundation to continue to build from. 

    Our next steps: 

    1. Find our space

    2. Raise the capital needed to secure our loan

    3. Build out our space

    4. Secure licensing

    5. Open, and STAY open for generations!

  • The Brass Strap will be a cooperatively owned bar where all members have an equal say in decision-making and share in the profits. This unique structure ensures that the values and interests of the local queer community are at the forefront of our business decisions. Members of The Brass Strap will be able to participate in monthly meetings, providing input on everything from the menu to the music, and even the events we hold. By working together and investing in our community, we hope to create a business that will not only provide a safe and inclusive space but also promote social and economic justice.

    Our focus on the co-operative structure is what sets The Brass Strap apart from other bars and entertainment venues in Minneapolis. Unlike traditional businesses, we are committed to democratic decision-making and sharing the profits with our members. This structure ensures that our business will be sustainable and able to adapt to changing needs and interests of our community over time.

  • Memberships are NOW OPEN! This is a huge step forward for us, and we could not be more excited to welcome you all as member-owners. Check out our membership options here, and as always, do not hesitate to shoot us an email if you are confused or would like to talk through something with us.

  • The biggest way you can support is by becoming a member! Your ownership helps us raise the capital we need to get the space and get it running. You can also donate to, and circulate, our GoFundMe! Your donations help us get one step closer to signing a lease, building our dream bar, and opening our doors to our community.

    We also would love to hear from you! This bar is a community project, so we need to hear your input. Reach out to us at TheBrassStrap@gmail.com with your comments, questions, and concerns.

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