In our 2026 Spring Newsletter, we dig into how, in Minnesota and North Dakota, we’re seeing people come together to not only resist, but rebuild and reimagine — even as we fight for our rights and our lives.
www.genderjustice.us/commentary/spring-2026-l...
On a green polka-dotted background with a sunflower design in the middle, text announces the People's Session, happening Saturday April 25 from 9 AM - 4 PM CT in Bismarck, North Dakota. People are invited to learn more at genderjustice.us/pplssession and a dark green banner at the top of the design also notes that the schedule is announced.
On a green polka-dotted background with a sunflower design in the middle, text shares the People's Session's morning schedule: Morning welcome with light breakfast, grounding remarks, and a map of the day. Breakout groups focusing on North Dakota priorities including: Economic security Strong schools Personal freedoms (e.g. voting rights, free speech, and immigration justice) Bodily autonomy Lunch and community networking.
On a green polka-dotted background with a sunflower design in the middle, text shares the People's Session's afternoon schedule: Afternoon workshops focused on skills-development including sessions on: Storytelling for change Digital advocacy Grassroots organizing 101 Change through the legal system Ballot initiatives Local elections Advocacy across rural and urban communities Harnessing economic power through boycotts and union organizing Closing gathering with a share-out of future action opportunities!
On April 25, we’re coming together to build North Dakota policy by the people and for the people. Click through to see what you can expect at the second annual People’s Session. And visit genderjustice.us/pplssession to learn more & RSVP!
On a teal background with an image of hands holding trans pride flags, text invites people to a virtual Minnesota Trans Equity Training on Friday, April 17 at 12 - 1:15 PM CT.
Join us Friday, April 17 from 12 - 1:15 PM for a virtual, interactive Minnesota Trans Equity Training: https://secure.everyaction.com/wde6PthwoUCqtAqyCEi1Sw2
On a teal slide text reads: “The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a law protecting minors from conversion therapy, a dangerous and discredited practice that harms LGBTQ+ youth. The Court’s decision blocks states from setting and enforcing basic standards for ethical mental health care. & it puts children back in harms way.Here’s what this decision means for folks in Minnesota and North Dakota:”
On a teal slide text reads: “This ruling will undermine some protections in Minnesota, where lawmakers banned conversion therapy in 2023 to keep young people safe. Specifically, it will permit conversion talk therapy in Minnesota. It will also impact professional safeguards in North Dakota, where licensed social workers are prohibited from engaging in this harmful practice.”
On a teal slide, Gender Justice Legal Director Jess Braverman is quoted saying: “Today's decision puts children back in harm's way. States like Minnesota and North Dakota banned conversion therapy because we know what it does to kids...That's why we drew a clear line and said this has no place in real mental health care. The Court has erased that line. We will keep fighting to restore it and to protect LGBTQ+ youth so kids in our region can grow up safe, affirmed, and supported.”
On a teal slide, text invites folks to join a virtual SCOTUS chat on Wednesday, April 1 at 5:30 PM CT, breaking down the impacts of this Supreme Court decision and next steps in Minnesota and North Dakota.
The U.S. Supreme Court just issued a ruling that threatens states ability to protect young people from conversion therapy.
Click through to learn more & join us tomorrow at 5:30 PM CT for a virtual SCOTUS Chat.
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/cPXCw2U-HkOze3qxNgMMGQ2
Join us Wednesday, April 1 at 5:30 PM CT for a virtual SCOTUS Chat sharing insights from oral arguments in Trump v. Barbara and digging into the connections between birthright citizenship and birth justice.
RSVP: https://secure.everyaction.com/kY71ViysDkOxCLs0O2dzaw2
On a pastel background with the trans pride flag colors text reads “Trans Day of Visibility Events.” A small Gender Justice logo is in the bottom right-hand corner.
Minnesota Trans Day of Visibility events are listed: OutFront Minnesota Trans Day of Visibility Rally: Friday, March 27, 12 - 2 PM, Minnesota State Capitol Trans Northland Trans Day of Visibility Celebration: Sunday, March 29, 1 - 4 PM, Duluth Prism Organizing Trans Community Check In: Monday, March 30, 7 PM CT, Virtual Minnesota Abortion Action Committee Trans Day of Visibility Rally: Tuesday, March 31, 6 PM, Minneapolis Twin Cities Pride TDOV In Motion, Tuesday, March 31, 6 PM, Minneapolis Prism Organizing March 31 Gatherings: South Central Minnesota, East Metro, North Metro, South Metro, and the West Metro.
North Dakota Trans Day of Visibility events are listed: Faye Seidler Consulting Raise the Trans Flag Digital Event: Tuesday, March 24 - Tuesday, March 31 Parachigo and Pride Collective Trans Day of Visibility Art Auction and Gallery: Thursday, March 26, 6 - 8:30 PM, Fargo Gender Justice, Parachigo, Pride Collective, and Tellwell Trans Day of Visibility Gala: Saturday, March 28, 4 - 8:30 PM, Fargo Transitions Yoga Trans Day of Visibility Sunrise Yoga: Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 - 7:30 AM, Bismarck Grand Forks Out and Proud Trans Day of Visibility Celebration: Tuesday, March 31, 5:30 - 8 PM, Grand Forks
Next Tuesday, March 31 is Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV)! Join our community partners across Minnesota and North Dakota for events uplifting trans voices, joy, and power & honoring the incredible contributions of our trans, non-binary, and two-spirit neighbors.
Fighting off federal attacks on our fundamental rights is something we’re each doing day by day, action by action. On Saturday, March 28, people will once again hit the streets to honor that resistance.
Join us: nokingstwincities.org and find local actions at mobilize.us/nokings
Against a faded image of a past Lobby Day rally in the Capitol Rotunda, text announces that speakers are announced for the March 23 Rally at 1:30 PM!
Speakers list: Ayada Leads MNAAC OutFront Minnesota Pro-Choice Minnesota Family Tree Clinic MUUSJA Paper Lantern Project Young Women’s Initiative Plus legislative leadership and a performance from singer-songwriter Rachel Kurtz!
Amid nonstop federal attacks on abortion access and bodily autonomy, it’s more important than ever that we make our voices heard at the State Capitol — Join us Monday, March 23 at 1:30 PM in the Capitol Rotunda to rally for reproductive freedom!
RSVP: unrestrictmn.org/lobbyday/
What if North Dakotans — not politicians — set the state’s policy agenda? Ahead of the 2027 North Dakota legislative session, we’re coming together at The People’s Session on April 25 in Bismarck to imagine an answer and start making it our reality.
Learn more: genderjustice.us/pplssession
Thank you to the hundreds of Minnesotans who joined us to rally for the Minnesota ERA last week!
Check out some highlights from our wonderful speakers and visit genderjustice.us/write to take action for the Minnesota ERA today!
To trans, non-binary, and two-spirit youth: you belong here, you are not alone, and we have your back.
That’s the message of a Saint Paul City Council resolution unanimously passed last month, in a room packed with supporters. See testimony in support:
Green, yellow, purple, and red graphic announces the Rally for the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment on March 12 at 10 AM at the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda. A red banner further shares that speakers have been announced.
Emcees Wintana Melekin & Kate Quinlin-Laird plus speakers from * The AFL-CIO * The ARC * League of Women Voters Minnesota * The NAACP * The Paper Lantern Project * Protect Minnesota * Transforming Families * Women's Foundation of Minnesota plus faith leaders including Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, student organizers, legislative leadership, and more are announced as the rally lineup.
Tomorrow’s the day! Rally with us for the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment at 10 AM at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda.
RSVP (requested, not required!): bit.ly/rallyforequality
On this week's episode of TLP, @imarajones.bsky.social chatted with Jess Braverman, Legal Director of @GenderJustice.us, an organization dedicated to fighting barriers affecting trans people in the midwest.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6LNV9Uhdh89jGNO4...
![On a teal background, text reads:
Employers shouldn’t be able to discriminate against employees in non-religious roles using religious claims.
A custodian shouldn’t lose their job because they got an abortion. A nurse shouldn’t fear for their livelihood because they’re openly LGBTQ+. A coach shouldn’t worry about job security because they married someone of a different faith.
But that’s exactly what happened to our client, a cherished school librarian who was effectively fired from the job she loved after coming out as trans.
[Bold/emphasized] So we’re taking this fight for fairness to the Minnesota Supreme Court.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o2wg6rzy5kw4zg4r5n5g3iyw/bafkreigpfvcaka6jw2pl7n2nuom56mvor545pbe4mqnio6mczvr773g55m)
On a teal background, text reads: Employers shouldn’t be able to discriminate against employees in non-religious roles using religious claims. A custodian shouldn’t lose their job because they got an abortion. A nurse shouldn’t fear for their livelihood because they’re openly LGBTQ+. A coach shouldn’t worry about job security because they married someone of a different faith. But that’s exactly what happened to our client, a cherished school librarian who was effectively fired from the job she loved after coming out as trans. [Bold/emphasized] So we’re taking this fight for fairness to the Minnesota Supreme Court.
On a dark teal background, Gender Justice Legal Director Jess Braverman is quoted: "This case is about whether Minnesota's civil rights laws can be rendered meaningless for thousands of workers simply because their employer claims a religious objection…It sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rights of LGBTQ+ people, people of minority faiths, and anyone who doesn't conform to an employer's religious views."
On a dark teal background, Joni Thome, Wanta Thome PLC Attorney is quoted: ""No employer should be able to discriminate against employees in non-religious roles using religion as a basis for the discrimination…Minnesota's highest court has the opportunity to ensure that all Minnesotans, regardless of religion, gender identity, or background, can live and work with dignity."
BREAKING We’re going to the Minnesota Supreme Court to ask a critical question: Will Minnesota let religious claims be used as a license to discriminate, or will it uphold our state’s civil rights protections?
Click through the slides to learn more!
On a teal background a headshot of Greta Wiessner accompanies text welcoming her to the Gender Justice team as a Senior Staff Attorney.
Welcome Greta Wiessner, joining Gender Justice as a Senior Staff Attorney!
Previously a civil rights attorney at a Minneapolis-based firm, focusing on police misconduct and prison abuse and neglect, Greta's free time is spent exploring Minnesota and the Twin Cities food scene with her family.
You’re invited to a webinar March 5 at 12 PM with Minnesota legal experts — including Gender Justice Legal Director Jess Braverman — exploring how the law can be wielded in powerful ways to protect our communities.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9617719...
On a dark teal background, text announces that Gender Justice is going to the North Dakota Supreme Court to fight North Dakota's radical ban on gender-affirming care. The ban is described as a radical departure from North Dakotan values and a violation of the state constitution and North Dakotans fundamental rights.
On a dark teal background, Jess Braverman Legal Director at Gender Justice is quoted saying "This case is about a principle every North Dakotan understands: politicians have no business telling families what medical decisions they can make for their own children…North Dakota’s Constitution was written to safeguard against government overreach into the personal autonomy and self-determination of North Dakota families. It’s time for the courts to enforce that promise.”
On a dark teal background, Dr. Luis Casas, pediatric endocrinologist and plaintiff is quoted saying “Every family I work with is trying to do the right thing for their child. They come to me, they ask questions and we make decisions together based on the best medical evidence available. This law takes that away; instead putting the government between me and my patients. These families deserve the same freedom as any other family in this state to work with their doctor and do what's best for their child.”
On a dark teal background, viewers are invited to stand up for trans youth and LGBTQ+ rights because this isn't just about one law, it's about whether liberty still means anything in North Dakota and whether every young person is free to live authentically, safely, and without government interference. People are invited to go to bit.ly/NDforLGBTQ to sign a letter of support for trans and LGBTQ+ rights.
BREAKING: We’re taking the fight for gender-affirming care for trans youth to the North Dakota Supreme Court.
Click through the slides to learn more!
On a trans pride flag background text announces a Trans Equity Training happing Wednesday, March 4 from 5:30 - 6:45 PM virtually.
Join us Wednesday, March 4 from 5:30- 6:45 PM for our next virtual, interactive Trans Equity Training! Learn how to have effective conversations supporting trans rights and connect with others passionate about the fight for trans equity.
RSVP: https://secure.everyaction.com/_3CI01xrgkyxUnsVPHUWsA2
A group of people holding signs advocating for the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment, with visible posters reading "Yes on ERA Now." The event is at the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda on March 12 at 10 AM. A sign with "Sign Up!" is prominent.
The image is a graphic from Minnesotans for Equal Rights. It features a large quotation mark followed by a statement about the Minnesota ERA and a commitment to dignity and justice. There is a highlighted portion of the text reading, "the Minnesota ERA is our line in the sand." The graphic includes a photo of Megan Peterson, identified as the Gender Justice Executive Director, alongside the text. The background is a light green with white and dark green text.
A graphic by Minnesotans for Equal Rights encourages telling Minnesota lawmakers to "Pass an Inclusive Equal Rights Amendment." It urges adding the ERA to the ballot, emphasizing the importance of inclusive future-building. It includes a call to action to write to legislators via a provided link: genderjustice.us/write.
The Minnesota ERA just advanced through the Minnesota Senate Judiciary Committee! Let's keep going & get the ERA on the ballot for voters to decide:
Rally March 12 at the State Capitol: bit.ly/rallyforequality
& share your support for the ERA with your representatives: genderjustice.us/write
Gender Justice is hiring for a Chief of Staff.
The Chief of Staff will serve as a key partner to our Executive Director & a driver of organizational priorities, alignment, and internal health. Learn more and apply at genderjustice.us/join-our-team
Join us and the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition on Tuesday, February 10 from 6 - 7:15 PM for an interactive, virtual North Dakota Trans Equity Training!
As a result of relentless federal pressure, today Children’s Hospital Minnesota announced that starting February 27, they will temporarily pause issuing prescriptions to trans and non-binary youth for gender-affirming care. We are outraged by the federal government’s attacks on trans youth, their families, and their physicians who provide best-practice health care. We are devastated by the harm this will cause young people and their families. And we want to acknowledge that this is an incredibly heavy moment. But let’s be clear: gender-affirming care remains legal in Minnesota. And we intend to keep it that way.
Our laws are clear: Minnesota kids and their families have the right to access critical and often life-saving care. Our values are clear: We proudly stand with dedicated providers and with trans and non-binary kids and their families. Our commitment is clear: We will continue to fiercely defend gender-affirming care access and the right of every child to thrive.
Our statement on today's announcement from Children's Hospital Minnesota:
A headline from the 19th explains that ICE violence against women is increasingly prominent but largely untracked. Accompanied by images of social media posts and videos tracking this violence.
Text on a dark green background notes the increased attention on gender-based violence perpetrated by ICE. Also a discussion of how gender-based violence researchers note that this violence doesn't happen in a vacuum: it's directly influenced by the messaging coming from the Trump administration.
Quote from Professor Hilary Potter asking "how much of that culture Of machismo, toxic masculinity, whatever you want to call it, is impacting how ICE agents are treating women in the field.”
Call-to-action to complete a confidential report at genderjustice.us/ice-report if you have experienced or witnessed gender-based violence at the hands of federal agents in Minnesota.
A piece from The 19th investigates ICE's gender-based violence — and why it’s so critical these harms aren’t erased.
Have you experienced or witnessed gender-based violence or harassment at the hands of federal agents in Minnesota? File a confidential report at genderjustice.us/ice-report
On a purple background header text reads "Welcome to the Team!" with smaller text introducing Charlie Williamson as Gender Justice's North Dakota Program Manager alongside a photo of them.
In these times, we're grateful for nice news to share: Welcome Charlie Williamson, Gender Justice’s North Dakota Program Manager!
Charlie is a teaching artist and advocate with a background in LGBTQ+ and gender-based advocacy in higher education and community settings. They are based in Fargo, ND.
Yesterday, Gender Justice Legal Director Jess Braverman joined other Minnesota community voices testifying at the Minnesota Senate, sharing the immense harm ICE is inflicting on our communities & calling for swift accountability.
Watch the full testimony: www.youtube.com/live/X_5_u5k...
We’re reflecting on another brutal, senseless murder by federal immigration agents. Like Renée Nicole Good, Alex Pretti was killed while legally observing federal immigrant violence. He died offering a helping hand – murdered for being a good neighbor. These deaths have broken our hearts and rightfully sparked outrage. But they’re not the whole story — and we must never lose sight of that.
ICE’s invasion of Minnesota is part of a much bigger pattern. Across history, systems built on white supremacy and patriarchal control have used state violence to punish care, crush resistance, and dehumanize Black, Brown, Indigenous, immigrant, women, and LGBTQ+ communities. We see it now: our neighbors have been kidnapped, terrorized, and deprived of their rights and basic human dignity. Even more live in fear, hiding from the threat of being torn from their homes and their families. Our hearts, our solidarity, and our focus remain with them.
What we’ve seen in Minnesota reveals a hard truth: when systems built on domination and oppression are allowed to persist, no one is truly outside of their reach. To these systems, diverse and thriving communities are the enemy. They see our humanity, our determination to bear witness, and our refusal to comply as a threat. And these systems respond in the way they were built to: with brute force and unforgivable violence. But Minnesotans are showing that love for one another is stronger. We will keep standing up and showing up until all of our neighbors have the safety and dignity they deserve.
We’re reflecting on another brutal, senseless murder by federal immigration agents. These deaths have broken our hearts and rightfully sparked outrage. But they’re not the whole story — and we must never lose sight of that.
Click through the slides for our thoughts.
Tomorrow, our state will come together to say as one: ICE out of Minnesota!
There can be no business as usual while ICE terrorizes our communities. Join us, and get all the up-to-date details at iceoutnowmn.com
Text describing the planned January 23, 2026 general strike in Minnesota to declare ICE OUT. The strike calls for no work, school, or shopping and includes a 2 PM march in downtown Minneapolis.
We’re proud to be part of a statewide coalition calling for Minnesota to strike on Friday, January 23.
No work, no school, no shopping. We refuse to accept violence and fear in our communities, and we are united in calling for ICE to get out of Minnesota.
#ICEOutOfMN
We’re investigating reports of unlawful gender-based or sexual violence and harassment by federal immigration agents in Minnesota. If you’ve experienced or witnessed gender-based harm at the hands of ICE, CBP, or DHS, you can submit a confidential report at genderjustice.us/ice-report
Amidst everything we’re facing in Minnesota, we still wanted to share updates on two important SCOTUS cases about trans students’ right to participate in school sports. Check out key takeaways ahead of the court’s decision this summer: www.genderjustice.us/commentary/scotus-hears-trans-sports-cases
