In honor of National Coming Out Day on October 11th, we are celebrating the new laws passed by Minnesota progressives this year that have made our state a safe, accessible place for all people.
Making Minnesota the Best State for LGBTQ+ People
In a massive win for LGBTQ+ people, Minnesota’s progressives shepherded a bill through conservative opposition that banned conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth and vulnerable adults.
Physicians widely discredit conversion therapy, and studies show these types of anti-LGBTQ treatments cause more harm than good for young Minnesotans and vulnerable people.
A UCLA report found that transgender people who experienced conversion therapy are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide as their peers.
In addition to passing the conversion therapy ban, progressives in the House and Senate passed a bill that made Minnesota a Trans Refuge State.
This crucial legislation protects transgender people, their families, and medical practitioners from legal repercussions for traveling to Minnesota to receive gender-affirming care.
In light of the devastating attacks on trans rights by conservatives across the country, making Minnesota a safe place for trans people and their families to seek the care they need is essential.
Gender Affirming Care is Under Attack in our Neighboring States
Meanwhile, in Minnesota’s neighboring states, LBGTQ+ people are facing attacks on gender-affirming care.
In South Dakota, Governor Kristi Noem signed a bill into law banning both surgical and nonsurgical gender-affirming treatments for transgender minors. Health care providers who violate the new law risk civil suits and losing their medical licenses.
Conservatives in Iowa and North Dakota passed similar bans earlier this year, and some of their residents have sought out gender-affirming care in Minnesota as a result.
At least 22 states have passed laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.
Minnesota is a Progressive Haven in the Midwest
The bottom line: progressives are working tirelessly to make Minnesota a safe, accessible place for all people to seek the care they need without the threat of repercussion.
As conservatives pass harmful laws across the Midwest, it’s more important than ever to join the fight and keep making Minnesota a more equitable state for us all.
Sign up now to join the fight.
