I know a lot of trans folks, and although I feel like I shouldn't have to say this, very few of us are violent in any way.
I'm continually impressed at how much energy trans activists put into supporting and advocating for communities, despite many facing daily harassment.
It takes an incredible amount of strength and compassion to stand up for immigrants, women, BIPOC, trans kids, and people who are struggling to live their normal lives in the US right now. But that is what many trans activists are doing every day.
I'd like to introduce you to the work of three amazing people in Minnesota (plus two very cool creative projects!)
Amplify Respect is a newsletter to uplift and inform trans folks and allies.
If you find it helpful to learn how to talk about a trans family member, how to promote your work as an LGBTQ+ creator, or how to write about trans people respectfully, you should subscribe.
Trans joy in Minnesota
I love sharing experiences of trans and queer joy. Queer Joy in Resistance from OutFront Minnesota is a video interview series centering joy as activism.
Speaking out against ICE: Minnesota State Rep Leigh Finke
Leigh Finke is speaking out publicly against ICE agents in Minneapolis and working on legislation to limit their actions.
“They’re still taking people,” Finke told LGBTQ Nation. “...Our neighbors are still in hiding...people aren’t accessing healthcare now for two months.”
Finke plans to introduce two bills: one to prohibit law enforcement agents from wearing masks while working, and one to require vehicles used by law enforcement to transport people to be clearly marked.
She was the first openly trans person elected to Minnesota's state legislature. Despite vicious insults about her trans identity from other legislators and the general public, she posted on Instagram, "I love being trans. It's true. I am happy and free, the haters won't take either from me. Being trans is a gift. And I wouldn't have it any other way."
I think it's beautiful to see someone who faces a lot of public hate respond with gratitude and love for being trans.
Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis City Council
Andrea Jenkins lived two blocks from where George Floyd was murdered by police in Minneapolis. She was Vice President of the Minneapolis City Council at the time.
Jenkins told them. magazine, on seeing the video of George Floyd's death, "I thought about all the Black men in my life who had been abused by the police: my little brother who died at the hands of the police, my father who was in penitentiary for 15 years. Just the struggle of being a Black man in America, Black people from slavery all the way up to today, all of these things were just running through my head. It occurred to me that racism is killing people, literally."
Andrea Jenkins was the first African American openly trans woman to be elected to office in the United States, as a Minneapolis City Council member and president of the council.
Mayor Jacob Frey along with Jenkins declared Minneapolis a safe haven for trans and gender-nonconforming people to access gender-affirming health care.
Jenkins has made other impressive contributions to positive trans visibility and rights. She interviewed 187 individuals for the Transgender Oral History Project.
Hildie Edwards advocates for trans kids
Hildie Edwards testified at a hearing in support of the MN trans refuge bill when she was 12 years old in 2023. "I look forward to the day...when [Minnesota laws] are written to make sure trans kids like me are affirmed and celebrated for the amazing people they are,” Edwards said during her testimony.
The singer, performer and actor has spoken at rallies, Pride events, and protests.
Grace Birnstengel
It really means a lot that Edwards, as a young person, is passionate about speaking out so publicly about her experience. This would be an intimidating and threatening prospect for an adult.
Edwards' parents support and advocate for their daughter and other trans kids. This kind of love and support makes a huge difference for trans and gender non-conforming kids.
Solidarity with Minneapolis: protest song by Evan Greer
Evan Greer is a queer and trans activist and director at Fight for the Future. She wrote a protest song, "You Will Have to Come Through Us." Check it out:
Amplify Respect is a newsletter to uplift and inform trans folks and allies.
If you find it helpful to learn how to talk about a trans family member, how to promote your work as an LGBTQ+ creator, or how to write about trans people respectfully, you should subscribe.
Who is publicly making a difference in your community? Please let us know in the comments!
