In 1986, whilst at the University, in 1986, Olson founded the Minneapolis/St.Paul Lesbian, Gay, Bi & Transgender Film Festival, inspired by Vito Russo's book, "The Celluloid Closet".
In 1986, whilst at the University, in 1986, Olson founded the Minneapolis/St.Paul Lesbian, Gay, Bi & Transgender Film Festival, initially under the name Lavender Images. Olson was inspired in this move by Vito Russo's book, "The Celluloid Closet".