Dear John,

June is Pride month, and as we know, Pride honors the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in the 1970s when queer and trans folks rose up against police harassment. Police raided the Stonewall Inn, an LGBTQ bar in Greenwich Village. Black and brown trans siblings led organizing efforts to resist arrest and push back.

With the rights of queer and trans folks under attack across the nation, with Trumpism and white supremacy alive and well, this month is a time to remember and honor the queer and trans organizers, especially Black and brown trans women like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who never gave up hope – and never stopped organizing for justice. They organized toward a brighter future where queer and trans communities are protected, celebrated, loved, and cared for.

This week’s News Digest explores the theme of justice. Check out the articles on where we are – and aren’t – seeing justice manifesting in our communities and around the world. And, make sure to follow movement partners like OutFront Minnesota and Gender Justice for ways you can show up in solidarity with queer and trans communities here in Minnesota.

Here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week:

1. Indian Child Welfare Act upheld

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) requires states to make proactive efforts to place Native children with family members, members of the same tribe, or other Native families. Read in the New York Times about how several couples challenged the law, and just this past week, the Supreme Court determined the petitioners did not have a right to sue.

2. MPD exposed (again)

The Department of Justice today released a report from their two-year investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland describes the findings as “heartbreaking.” The report highlights again the racism and violence Black and Native residents of Minneapolis have been calling attention to for decades.

3. A little hope for Florida

“When cities stand up against abuses of power and fight to protect the rights of their residents, they can win,” shares Jonathan Miller of the Public Rights Project and legal counsel representing six Florida cities pushing back against HB1. Read this press release from the Southern Poverty Law Center about six Florida cities organizing and winning the right to control their own law enforcement budgets.

4. "Breathtaking" legislation on criminal justice reform

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has been busy. Her office lobbied for over 30 bills this past legislative session. In this Star Tribune article Moriarty shares, “Transformational legislation is really rare when you take a look at the history of our state here… It can only occur with a movement full of dedicated people committed to making sure that bills pass that improve lives.”

5. Cutting child poverty by a third

Coming out of this legislative session, Minnesota families will be eligible to receive a child tax credit. Bill author Rep. Aisha Gomez says this breakthrough will “give people something they could rely on.” Researchers say the tax credit gives families not only immediate relief but something that could have generational implications.

6. Smoke... and mirrors

During a week of record-breaking air pollution, Xcel Energy backed out of its commitment to invest $9 million towards climate resiliency in Minneapolis. Read more about the company’s canceled plans to fund solar rooftop and charging stations at three Minneapolis community centers (serving primarily Black and Native residents) to support folks during heat waves and power outages.

7. New flag design for MN

One outcome from this past legislative session: replacing the “cluttered, genocidal mess” on Minnesota’s state flag and seal. Read more about the plan to create a new design.

8. We keep us safe

Check out this Star Tribune article about Sequeerity, a queer, women of color-led group that trains organizations in de-escalation and provides security at events in the Twin Cities. The group formed in 2020 to provide community-focused safety by building community.

9. Protect queer kids

MPR’s ChangeMaker series features an inspiring piece profiling Seal Dwyer, a St. Cloud resident organizing and building community for LGBTQ young people in St. Cloud. Read or listen to this beautiful interview to learn more about Seal and their leadership.

10. Summer fashion (??) travel tip

Traveling by aircraft this summer? This Wall Street Journal article has tips on how to make sure you’re outfitted to skip those baggage fees.

And that’s a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching, and listening to.

Until next time,

Katie Blanchard (she/her)
Basebuilding Director

Jessica Zimmerman (she/her)
Development Director