Minnesota has been a North Star for progress. We’ve defended abortion access, protected trans lives, and expanded care when other states did the opposite. But with Trump back in the White House and attacks on equality escalating, we’re seeing how fast progress can be undone.

Fifteen years ago, Gender Justice was founded on a vision that is both simple and radical: that no one’s life should be limited by their gender. That your body, your identity, or your biology should never determine your worth or your rights.

That vision hasn’t changed, but the landscape around us has. We are no longer facing isolated policy fights or legal setbacks. We are living through the rise of a coordinated, authoritarian movement—rooted in White Christian Nationalism—that is seizing control of who belongs to our democracy, who holds power, and who gets to live freely and safely.

All students, including LGBTQ+ students, should have the ability to learn and grow at school in a supportive environment. We’ve compiled information on the rights of students in Minnesota, and where to go if you think your student may be facing illegal discrimination.

On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court made the dangerous ruling that public schools must provide parental notifications and an opt-out policy for LGBTQ+-inclusive storybooks that conflict with the religious beliefs of parents.

In May, Gender Justice joined the North Dakota Human Rights Campaign 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.

This opinion piece, written by Gender Justice Executive Director Megan Peterson, was originally published by the North Dakota Monitor on May 8, 2025. It is reprinted with full permission.

When we look at the state of the nation today, it’s clear that without the work we’ve done together in Minnesota, our communities would be facing unimaginable setbacks. Thanks to your support, Minnesota has become a North Star for justice—a place where the right to live authentically and make decisions about our own bodies is not just protected, but championed.

At first glance, the conversation around trans inclusion in sports might seem complicated. But when we look closer, this issue isn't simply about who gets to compete—it's about something bigger: who has the power to define fairness, identity, and freedom for all of us. And allowing politicians to decide whose bodies, identities, and rights deserve protection sets a troubling precedent for all of us.

On February 5, the Trump administration issued an executive order (EO) attempting to ban transgender athletes from sports. Let’s be clear: this is a cruel, baseless attack designed to fuel fear and division—not a policy rooted in fairness or facts. And in Minnesota, it’s also illegal.

Throughout history, sports have been a battleground for overcoming discrimination—whether based on race, gender, or ability—and trans athletes are now continuing that legacy. True fairness in sports means ensuring every individual has the opportunity to compete on a level playing field, regardless of their identity or background.

On January 28, the White House issued an Executive Order attacking transgender health care, spreading disinformation and fueling political fear-mongering. It is critical to clarify several points.

In Minnesota’s most recent legislative session, we saw big advancements in reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and bodily autonomy. As we look ahead, your continued support will help us to advance an ambitious pro-equality agenda in the upcoming legislative session, including the strongest state Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the country.