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Press Release

Drop Deadlift Gorgeous Returns to Raise $100k for Gender-Affirming Care & Safe Learning Spaces in the Upper Midwest

Minneapolis, MN -- September 9, 2024 -- On Saturday, October 19, more than 100 diverse strength athletes will take the platform at the second annual Drop Deadlift Gorgeous. Hosted by Solcana Fitness, the free community celebration aims to raise $100,000 for PFund Foundation’s TRANSCEND Campaign while empowering trans+ inclusion in sport. Drag performer Anna Bolic—a former strongman competitor who now performs as “the world’s strongest queen”—will emcee. A vendor fair and afterparty will follow.

As conservatives attempt to undermine trans rights and LGBTQ+ equality in state legislatures, on school boards and at the federal level, the TRANSCEND Campaign helps trans and gender-expansive youth in the upper Midwest access crucial medical care and safe learning spaces. To date, the campaign has distributed funds to more than a dozen organizations that provide access to gender-affirming healthcare, remote school tuition for students whose local schools are not safe for them, and other essential services. 

“Although attacks on transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming and queer people are on the rise in the upper Midwest, we see and feel the power of community rise above that hate every day,” said Aaron Zimmerman, PFund Foundation Executive Director. “The community’s resourcefulness and strength to build a brighter future for all is truly an inspiration!”

TRANSCEND Campaign funds are distributed through a community review process, with beneficiaries including Minneapolis reproductive and sexual healthcare nonprofit Family Tree Clinic. Last year, the inaugural Drop Deadlift Gorgeous set out to raise $25,000 for Family Tree Clinic and instead generated over $60,000, inspiring this year’s larger footprint and more ambitious target.

“Drop Deadlift Gorgeous is a celebration, not a competition,” said event director and Solcana Fitness coach Maxwell Poessnecker. “That said, as strength athletes, we’re always trying to challenge ourselves, and you can see that spirit in the big goal we set this year. Based on the energy, joy and commitment this event has inspired in our community, I believe we will reach it.” In addition to raising over $28,000 as of early September, the event has attracted an array of sponsors, including premier sponsors TSR Injury Law, The Aliveness Project, and Smitten Kitten.

The deadlift requires lifters to pull a loaded barbell from the floor to a standing position, using weights that can exceed 500 pounds. Unlike a typical powerlifting meet, costumes, dancing and audience interaction are welcome at Drop Deadlift Gorgeous, and each lifter takes the platform just once for a fun and fast-moving day. 

Admission for spectators is free and open to the community. Lifting will start at 10 a.m. at the just-opened new location of Solcana Fitness at 3016 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, with a vendor fair and afterparty from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Arbeiter Brewing next door.

About Solcana Fitness

Solcana Fitness is a queer, woman-owned gym built on the idea of body liberation. Since 2014, we’ve been cultivating community and helping people find the most powerful version of themselves through strength and conditioning classes in South Minneapolis. Learn more at www.solcanafitness.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.