Gender Justice envisions a world where everyone can thrive regardless of their gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Step by step, we’re creating that world by dismantling legal, structural, and cultural barriers that contribute to gender inequity. We work to ensure that people of all genders have a meaningful right to bodily autonomy, safety, health, and opportunity.
Founded in Minnesota, Gender Justice has expanded our work across the Upper Midwest to be responsive to the needs we see in our communities and our clients’ cases. It is never the wrong time to fight for people’s rights.
Our vision is ambitious, and we know that we cannot achieve it alone. We are committed to working in partnership with other organizations and groups directly affected by gender inequity. This includes engaging with communities and partners who share our vision, to help us understand what priorities are most urgent and what opportunities might exist in the field.
We know that people who experience gender oppression are also affected by racism, ableism, poverty and other forms of oppression. That’s why we partner with allies across the social justice space to ensure that all of our work reflects intersecting identities and experiences, and an understanding of gender, racial, reproductive and economic justice.
The law is a necessary tool for achieving systems-level change, but it’s not enough. Building and sustaining a world free of gender barriers also requires community organization, education, and changing the ways we talk and think about gender.
Our legal strategy is founded on the belief that now is the right time to fight for people’s rights. We work closely with movement partners, and are not afraid to rock the boat when necessary. We understand that as long as gender barriers exist in the law, more people and communities will be harmed - it’s never the wrong time to fight for people’s rights.
We recognize that the criminal legal system disproportionately harms low-income, LGBTQ, and communities of color. We reject laws and policies that promote incarceration, and we advocate for positive solutions beyond our current system of punishment and incarceration.
Our work has always been a combination of thoughtful planning and rapid response. Through our expert legal analysis and in-depth understanding of state and federal civil rights laws, we as an organization can think ahead and to adapt quickly when news breaks or an opportunity arises.
Organizational
2024 Minnesota Nonprofit Mission Awards for Advocacy
2024 Minnesota Women’s Press – Favorite Social Justice Organization and Favorite Minnesota Podcast
2024 Yield Giving Open Call Awardee
2023 Alliance for Justice – Ally for Justice Award
2023 Twin Cities Pride – LGBTQ+ Organization of the Year
2023 Minnesota Women Lawyers – Community Impact Award
2022 Minnesota Women’s Press – Changemakers Award (UnRestrict Minnesota)
2017 Century College – Gender and Social Change Award
2016 Lavender Community Award
2016 Quorum – Community Leadership Award – Nonprofit of the Year
2012 Minnesota Women’s Press – Changemakers Award (Gender Justice)
Jess Braverman – Legal Director
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 Minnesota Lawyer – Attorney of the Year
2022 Minnesota Lynx – Inspiring Women Award
2022 Minnesota Lawyer – Diversity & Inclusion honoree
2020 Minnesota Lavender Bar Association – Equality & Justice Award
Christy Hall – Senior Staff Attorney
2023 Twin Cities Business – Notable Women in Law
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 Minnesota Lawyer – Attorney of the Year
2022, 2021 Minnesota Lawyer – Power 30 Employment Attorney (both years, she was the only non-profit lawyer to make this list)
2022, 2021 Minnesota State Bar Association – North Star Pro Bono Attorney
Christina Sambor – North Dakota State Director
2024 Super Lawyers
2023 Planned Parenthood – Exemplary Leader Award
Our organization has celebrated some big wins over the years and we continue to grow in the ways we harness strategic impact litigation, legislative advocacy, and education to push the law forward when it comes to gender equality. Check out what we’ve accomplished, together.