The People’s Session: North Dakotans Chart Their Own Path

In May, as the North Dakota legislative session came to an end, Gender Justice joined the North Dakota Human Rights Campaign (NDHRC) and community partners to host the first-ever People’s Session—a grassroots gathering where everyday people came together to set a legislative agenda rooted in fairness, dignity, and opportunity rather than division.

While state lawmakers spent the 2025 session debating who could use which bathroom and what books kids could read, North Dakotans were calling for something very different: affordable child care, paid family leave, access to health care, and the freedom to live their lives in peace. Instead of listening, lawmakers doubled down on divisive political fights that do nothing to strengthen families or communities.

The People’s Session flipped that script. People came together to share their stories, identify priorities, and begin shaping bold policy proposals that reflect the values of fairness, dignity, and opportunity.

Listening to North Dakotans

Ahead of the event, we shared results from a statewide poll that asked North Dakotans what issues matter most to them, and how they view their transgender and nonbinary neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones.

The results couldn’t be clearer: North Dakotans want real solutions to real problems, not fear-mongering fueled by multi-million-dollar anti-trans campaigns designed to divide us. And when it comes to trans and nonbinary North Dakotans, the poll confirms what we’ve long known: most people want everyone to be treated with dignity and respect.

The Real Priorities of North Dakotans Are Being Ignored

Building a People’s Agenda

Held in Bismarck, the People’s Session brought together community members from across the state with a shared vision for a North Dakota where all people can thrive.

Participants lifted up proposals like using the Legacy Fund to guarantee free school meals for all kids, raising the minimum wage to $20 an hour, and establishing universal early childhood education. They also called for protecting reproductive freedom—including contraception, IVF, and abortion—and ensuring LGBTQ+ North Dakotans are treated equally under the law by codifying same-sex marriage and protecting gender-affirming care.

Other ideas emphasized accountability and investment: creating a state-sponsored health insurance option, protecting rural hospitals, banning book bans, and raising teacher pay. Together, these community-driven proposals paint a vision of a state where everyone has a fair shot to succeed.

And this is only the beginning. In the months ahead, coalition partners will build on this momentum by convening community-led committees to translate priorities into concrete policy proposals. When the legislature reconvenes in 2027, lawmakers will have real solutions crafted by and for North Dakotans. Until then, our coalition will continue to grow, deepen community engagement, and keep the People’s Agenda front and center.