Leigh Finke: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American politician in Minnesota}} |
{{Short description|American politician in Minnesota}} |
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{{Infobox officeholder |
{{Infobox officeholder |
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| name = Leigh Finke |
| name = Leigh Finke |
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| image = |
| image = Finke at Protecting Transgender Minnesotans' Rights Bill Signing (cropped).jpg |
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| state_house = Minnesota |
| state_house = Minnesota |
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| district = 66A |
| district = 66A |
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| term_start = January 3, 2023 |
| term_start = January 3, 2023 |
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| constituency = 66A (2023-present) |
| constituency = 66A (2023-present) |
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| birth_place = [[Minnesota]] |
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| residence = [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]] |
| residence = [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]] |
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| education = [[Bethel University (Minnesota)|Bethel University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[DePaul University]] ([[Master of Arts|MA]])| |
| education = [[Bethel University (Minnesota)|Bethel University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[DePaul University]] ([[Master of Arts|MA]])| |
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| party = [[Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party|Democratic (DFL)]] |
| party = [[Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party|Democratic (DFL)]] |
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| occupation = |
| occupation = {{hlist|Media|Legislator}} |
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| spouse = |
| spouse = |
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| children = 2 |
| children = 2 |
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| website = {{url|https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15575|Government website}} {{url|https://www.leighformn.com/|Campaign website}} |
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}} |
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'''Leigh Finke''' is |
'''Leigh Finke''' is an American politician serving in the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] since 2023. A member of the [[Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party|Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party]] (DFL), Finke represents District 66A in the [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul|Twin Cities]] metropolitan area, which includes the cities of [[Falcon Heights, Minnesota|Falcon Heights]], [[Lauderdale, Minnesota|Lauderdale]], [[Roseville, Minnesota|Roseville]] and [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]], and parts of [[Ramsey County, Minnesota|Ramsey County]] in Minnesota.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Finke, Leigh - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present |url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?ID=15575 |access-date=2023-02-28 |website=www.lrl.mn.gov |archive-date=2023-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228020422/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?ID=15575 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rep. Leigh Finke (66A) - Minnesota House of Representatives |url=https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15575 |access-date=2023-02-28 |website=www.house.mn.gov |archive-date=2023-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228020422/https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15575 |url-status=live }}</ref> She is the first openly transgender member of the [[Minnesota Legislature]]. |
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== Early life, education and career == |
== Early life, education, and career == |
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Finke was born in [[Minnesota]] and grew up in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, graduating from Maple Grove Senior High School in [[Maple Grove, Minnesota]].<ref name=":0" /> |
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Finke was born in [[Minnesota]]. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from [[Bethel University (Minnesota)|Bethel University]] in 2003 and a Master of Arts in Shakespeare from [[DePaul University]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eidsvoog |first=Emma |last2=Johnson |first2=Makenzi |date=2021-03-23 |title=Places to breathe |url=https://bethelclarion.com/2021/03/23/places-to-breathe/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=bethelclarion.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> |
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Finke earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature in 2003 from [[Bethel College (Minnesota)|Bethel College]] and a Master of Arts in Shakespeare from [[DePaul University]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last1=Eidsvoog |first1=Emma |last2=Johnson |first2=Makenzi |date=2021-03-23 |title=Places to breathe |url=https://bethelclarion.com/2021/03/23/places-to-breathe/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=bethelclarion.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113210539/https://bethelclarion.com/2021/03/23/places-to-breathe/ |url-status=live }}</ref> While at Bethel, she became active in politics protesting the [[Iraq War]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Bierschbach |first=Briana |date=August 10, 2022 |title=Leigh Finke poised to make history as Minnesota's first transgender legislator |url=https://www.startribune.com/leigh-finke-poised-to-make-history-as-minnesotas-first-transgender-legislator/600197313/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> |
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From 2018 to 2021, Finke was the senior producer at [[1517 Media]]. There, she wrote and produced two documentary films: ''Ending the Silence: Confronting Sexual Shame in the Church'' and ''White Savior: Racism in the American Church''. She also edited two nonfiction books for Beaming Books: ''Queerfully and Wonderfully Made'' and ''Welcoming and Affirming''.<ref name=":1" /> |
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⚫ | In 2021 and 2022, Finke worked as Multimedia Storyteller for the ACLU of Minnesota.<ref name="cbs">{{Cite web |title=Leigh Finke to become first transgender legislator in Minnesota House |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/leigh-finke-to-become-first-transgender-legislator-in-minnesota-house/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.cbsnews.com |date=9 November 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308093238/https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/leigh-finke-to-become-first-transgender-legislator-in-minnesota-house/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In late 2022, she was publicly critical of Republican gubernatorial candidate [[Scott Jensen (Minnesota politician)|Scott Jensen]] for spreading the transphobic [[litter boxes in schools hoax]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stroozas |first=Sam |date=October 3, 2022 |title=Jensen spreads false rumor about Minnesota's LGBTQ+ youth |work=[[Minnesota Public Radio]] |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/10/03/jensen-spreads-false-rumor-about-minnesotas-lgbtq-youth |access-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006211129/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/10/03/jensen-spreads-false-rumor-about-minnesotas-lgbtq-youth |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In March 2023, Finke started the Queer Equity Institute, a nonprofit that supports and encourages queer politicians.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Olson |first=Rochelle |date=July 2, 2023 |title=Leigh Finke led expansion of Minnesota's transgender rights, endured attacks |url=https://www.startribune.com/leigh-finke-transgender-legislator-minnesota-human-rights-act/600287025/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> |
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== Minnesota House of Representatives == |
== Minnesota House of Representatives == |
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Finke was |
Finke was elected to the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] in [[2022 Minnesota House of Representatives election|2022]]. She first ran after legislative redistricting and the retirement of 17-term [[Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party|DFL]] incumbent [[Alice Hausman]].<ref name=":0" /> |
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Finke is the first openly transgender legislator elected to the [[Minnesota Legislature]].<ref name="cbs" /><ref name=":2" /> She said she was motivated to run because of anti-trans bills state Republicans introduced in 2021 that would make it a petty misdemeanor for transgender girls to participate in girls' sports.<ref name=":2" /> Finke was a founding member of and chairs the Queer Caucus, a group of [[LGBT|LGBTQ+]] legislators that formed before the 2023 legislative session.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Faircloth |first=Ryan |date=January 29, 2023 |title=Minnesota's LGBTQ lawmakers form Queer Caucus |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesotas-lgbtq-lawmakers-form-queer-caucus-in-show-of-growing-political-power/600247544/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stroozas |first=Sam |date=2023-01-17 |title='Shaking things up': Minnesota's LGBTQ lawmakers see new strength at Capitol |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/01/17/were-shaking-things-up-minnesotas-lgbtq-lawmakers-see-new-strength-at-capitol |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref> |
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Finke serves on the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy, Human Services Policy, Judiciary Finance and Civil Law, and Legacy Finance Committees.<ref name=":0" /> |
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=== LGBTQ+ rights === |
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Finke supported legislation to ban the use of the discredited practice of [[conversion therapy]] in the state for minors and vulnerable adults.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Faircloth |first=Ryan |date=February 20, 2023 |title=Minnesota House votes to ban conversion therapy for minors |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-house-to-vote-on-banning-conversion-therapy-for-minors/600253068/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> She supported an [[Iowa]] school district's policy that required staff and students to use a student's preferred name and pronouns, saying: "We need to be supporting kids. We need to be including and recognizing them and believing them".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Berkel |first=Jessie |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Pence visits Minnesota, says parents' rights are being 'trampled' |url=https://www.startribune.com/pence-visits-minnesota-says-parents-rights-are-being-trampled/600251856/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> |
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Finke sponsored legislation to remove language associating sexual orientation with pedophilia in state law and adding gender identity as a protected class in Minnesota's human rights statute.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Olson |first=Rochelle |date=May 18, 2023 |title=Legal experts say change to Minnesota Human Rights Act won't protect pedophiles |url=https://www.startribune.com/legal-experts-say-change-to-minnesota-human-rights-act-wont-protect-pedophiles/600275868/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> Republican representatives opposed the measure, some threatening to misgender Finke. Backlash led to Finke receiving death threats.<ref name=":3" /> Legal experts dismissed Republican claims that the bill would protect pedophiles, saying, "This doesn't create some sort of broad-based protection for those who prey on minors".<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":3" /> She also wrote a bill that would repeal a law that criminalized knowingly exposing someone to HIV, calling them "old, outdated homophobic statutes".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nesterak |first=Max |date=2023-02-23 |title=Democrats propose repealing law against knowingly exposing someone to HIV |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/02/23/democrats-propose-repealing-law-against-knowingly-exposing-someone-with-hiv/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Minnesota Reformer |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==== Trans refuge bill ==== |
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Finke authored legislation that would protect people in the state and those traveling to Minnesota to receive [[Transgender health care|gender-affirming care]] and has consistently opposed Republican efforts to ban transgender healthcare in the state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waits |first=Kelsey |date=January 23, 2023 |title=OPINION EXCHANGE {{!}} The other refugee crisis: the flight of families with trans kids |url=https://www.startribune.com/the-other-refugee-crisis-the-flight-of-families-with-trans-kids/600245869/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Wiley |first1=Michelle |last2=Ki |first2=Nichole |date=2023-01-31 |title=MN bill aims to create legal refuge for trans youth |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/01/31/mn-bill-aims-to-create-legal-refuge-for-trans-youth-seeking-medical-care |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ki |first1=Nichole |last2=Stroozas |first2=Sam |date=2023-03-02 |title=What is gender-affirming health care? 'Trans refuge' bill would help kids get it |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/03/02/what-is-genderaffirming-health-care-trans-refuge-bill-would-help-kids-get-it |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref> During a House floor debate on an amendment to ban transgender healthcare, Finke said: "You want to ban gender-affirming care for minors. What you want to do is you want to make sure minors never grow up to be me".<ref name=":5" /> She has also spoken about the need to remove barriers to access to healthcare, including by increasing health insurance coverage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Griffith |first=Michelle |date=March 24, 2023 |title=House passes bill making Minnesota a refuge state for transgender people |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/house-passes-bill-making-minnesota-a-refuge-state-for-transgender-people/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Minnesota Reformer |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Finke sponsored an executive order protecting access to gender-affirming care for Minnesotans that Governor [[Tim Walz]] signed on March 8, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bierschbach |first=Briana |date=March 8, 2023 |title=Gov. Tim Walz signs executive order protecting gender-affirming health care |url=https://www.startribune.com/gov-tim-walz-signs-executive-order-protecting-gender-affirming-health-care/600257207/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferguson |first=Dana |date=2023-03-08 |title=Walz moves to protect those seeking gender-affirming care |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/03/08/walz-moves-to-protect-those-seeking-genderaffirming-care |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref> Her bill to protect access to gender-affirming care, the "Trans Refuge Bill", passed the House on March 24, 2023, after five hours of debate and was signed into law by Walz on April 27.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bierschbach |first=Briana |date=March 24, 2023 |title=Minnesota House passes transgender refuge bill |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-house-poised-to-pass-transgender-refuge-bill/600261507/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferguson |first=Dana |date=2023-03-24 |title='You belong here': Minnesota House passes trans health refuge bill |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/03/24/you-belong-here-minnesota-house-passes-trans-health-refuge-bill |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bierschbach |first=Briana |date=April 27, 2023 |title=New laws make Minnesota a 'refuge' for abortion, gender-affirming care |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-to-become-refuge-for-abortion-gender-affirming-care-with-new-laws/600270558/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> |
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=== Other political positions === |
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Finke is pro-choice and supports removing limitations on abortions in the state. She also supports increasing education funding, including raising teacher pay and increasing special education and mental health support.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Connolly |first=Colleen |date=2022-06-28 |title=Q&A with Leigh Finke, who could be Minnesota's first out trans lawmaker |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2022/06/28/qa-with-leigh-finke-who-could-be-minnesotas-first-out-trans-lawmaker/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Minnesota Reformer |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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== Awards and honors == |
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In 2023, Finke was named as one of [[USA Today|''USA Today's'']] Women of the Year, which recognizes women who have made a significant impact across the country.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 March 2023 |title='Our movements for justice are lifelong': Meet Minnesota's first transgender legislator |url=https://www.sctimes.com/in-depth/news/2023/03/19/leigh-finke-minnesota-usa-today-women-year/69662214007/ |last=Most |first=Becca |access-date=4 April 2023 |work=[[St. Cloud Times]] |language=en |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722183044/https://www.sctimes.com/in-depth/news/2023/03/19/leigh-finke-minnesota-usa-today-women-year/69662214007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She was highlighted by [[Minnesota Public Radio]]'s "Changemakers" series, which showcases Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds making an impact in the state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gerezgiher |first=Feven |date=2023-06-24 |title=ChangeMakers: Leigh Finke helped make Minnesota a 'trans refuge' state |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/06/24/changemakers-leigh-finke-helped-make-minnesota-a-trans-refuge-state |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref> |
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== Electoral history == |
== Electoral history == |
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| title = 2022 DFL Primary - Minnesota State House - District 66A<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/Results/Index?ErsElectionId=148&scenario=StateRepresentative&districtCode=66A|title=2022 Results for State Representative District 66A|access-date=February 25, 2023|website=[[Minnesota Secretary of State]]}}</ref> |
| title = 2022 DFL Primary - Minnesota State House - District 66A<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/Results/Index?ErsElectionId=148&scenario=StateRepresentative&districtCode=66A|title=2022 Results for State Representative District 66A|access-date=February 25, 2023|website=[[Minnesota Secretary of State]]|archive-date=July 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722183030/https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/Results/Index?ErsElectionId=148&scenario=StateRepresentative&districtCode=66A|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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}} |
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|title = 2022 Minnesota State House - District 66A<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=485&show=Go|title=2022 Results for State Representative District 66A|access-date=February 25, 2023|website=[[Minnesota Secretary of State]]}}</ref> |
|title = 2022 Minnesota State House - District 66A<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=485&show=Go|title=2022 Results for State Representative District 66A|access-date=February 25, 2023|website=[[Minnesota Secretary of State]]|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228020422/https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=485&show=Go|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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== Personal life == |
== Personal life == |
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Finke is the first openly transgender person to serve in the |
Finke is openly transgender and the first openly transgender person to serve in the Minnesota Legislature.<ref name="cbs" /> She lives in the Midway neighborhood of [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul, Minnesota]], and has two children.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7" /> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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{{MN-legdb|15575}} |
{{MN-legdb|15575}} |
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* [https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/profile/15575 Official House of Representatives website] |
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* [https://www.leighformn.com/ Official campaign website] |
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{{Minnesota House of Representatives}} |
{{Minnesota House of Representatives}} |
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[[Category:Living people]] |
[[Category:Living people]] |
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[[Category:Minnesota Democrats]] |
[[Category:Minnesota Democrats]] |
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[[Category:Transgender politicians]] |
[[Category:Transgender women politicians]] |
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[[Category:American transgender women]] |
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[[Category:Bethel University (Minnesota) alumni]] |
[[Category:Bethel University (Minnesota) alumni]] |
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[[Category:DePaul University alumni]] |
[[Category:DePaul University alumni]] |
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[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]] |
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]] |
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[[Category:21st-century American women politicians]] |
[[Category:21st-century American women politicians]] |
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[[Category:21st-century American LGBT people]] |
Revision as of 17:41, 13 May 2024
Leigh Finke | |
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![]() | |
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 66A district | |
Assumed office January 3, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Alice Hausman |
Personal details | |
Political party | Democratic (DFL) |
Children | 2 |
Residence | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
Bildung | Bethel University (BA) DePaul University (MA) |
Occupation |
|
Website | Government website Campaign website |
Leigh Finke is an American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2023. A member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), Finke represents District 66A in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, which includes the cities of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Roseville and Saint Paul, and parts of Ramsey County in Minnesota.[1][2] She is the first openly transgender member of the Minnesota Legislature.
Early life, education, and career
Finke was born in Minnesota and grew up in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, graduating from Maple Grove Senior High School in Maple Grove, Minnesota.[1]
Finke earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature in 2003 from Bethel College and a Master of Arts in Shakespeare from DePaul University.[1][3] While at Bethel, she became active in politics protesting the Iraq War.[4]
From 2018 to 2021, Finke was the senior producer at 1517 Media. There, she wrote and produced two documentary films: Ending the Silence: Confronting Sexual Shame in the Church and White Savior: Racism in the American Church. She also edited two nonfiction books for Beaming Books: Queerfully and Wonderfully Made and Welcoming and Affirming.[3]
In 2021 and 2022, Finke worked as Multimedia Storyteller for the ACLU of Minnesota.[5] In late 2022, she was publicly critical of Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen for spreading the transphobic litter boxes in schools hoax.[6]
In March 2023, Finke started the Queer Equity Institute, a nonprofit that supports and encourages queer politicians.[7]
Minnesota House of Representatives
Finke was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022. She first ran after legislative redistricting and the retirement of 17-term DFL incumbent Alice Hausman.[1]
Finke is the first openly transgender legislator elected to the Minnesota Legislature.[5][4] She said she was motivated to run because of anti-trans bills state Republicans introduced in 2021 that would make it a petty misdemeanor for transgender girls to participate in girls' sports.[4] Finke was a founding member of and chairs the Queer Caucus, a group of LGBTQ+ legislators that formed before the 2023 legislative session.[8][9]
Finke serves on the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy, Human Services Policy, Judiciary Finance and Civil Law, and Legacy Finance Committees.[1]
LGBTQ+ rights
Finke supported legislation to ban the use of the discredited practice of conversion therapy in the state for minors and vulnerable adults.[8][10] She supported an Iowa school district's policy that required staff and students to use a student's preferred name and pronouns, saying: "We need to be supporting kids. We need to be including and recognizing them and believing them".[11]
Finke sponsored legislation to remove language associating sexual orientation with pedophilia in state law and adding gender identity as a protected class in Minnesota's human rights statute.[12] Republican representatives opposed the measure, some threatening to misgender Finke. Backlash led to Finke receiving death threats.[7] Legal experts dismissed Republican claims that the bill would protect pedophiles, saying, "This doesn't create some sort of broad-based protection for those who prey on minors".[12][7] She also wrote a bill that would repeal a law that criminalized knowingly exposing someone to HIV, calling them "old, outdated homophobic statutes".[13]
Trans refuge bill
Finke authored legislation that would protect people in the state and those traveling to Minnesota to receive gender-affirming care and has consistently opposed Republican efforts to ban transgender healthcare in the state.[14][15][16] During a House floor debate on an amendment to ban transgender healthcare, Finke said: "You want to ban gender-affirming care for minors. What you want to do is you want to make sure minors never grow up to be me".[10] She has also spoken about the need to remove barriers to access to healthcare, including by increasing health insurance coverage.[17]
Finke sponsored an executive order protecting access to gender-affirming care for Minnesotans that Governor Tim Walz signed on March 8, 2023.[18][19] Her bill to protect access to gender-affirming care, the "Trans Refuge Bill", passed the House on March 24, 2023, after five hours of debate and was signed into law by Walz on April 27.[20][21][22]
Other political positions
Finke is pro-choice and supports removing limitations on abortions in the state. She also supports increasing education funding, including raising teacher pay and increasing special education and mental health support.[23]
Awards and honors
In 2023, Finke was named as one of USA Today's Women of the Year, which recognizes women who have made a significant impact across the country.[24] She was highlighted by Minnesota Public Radio's "Changemakers" series, which showcases Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds making an impact in the state.[25]
Electoral history
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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Democratic (DFL) | Leigh Finke | 4,034 | 63.17 | |
Democratic (DFL) | Dave Thomas | 2,352 | 36.83 | |
Total votes | 6,386 | 100% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic (DFL) | Leigh Finke | 15,635 | 81.14 | |
Republican | Trace Johnson | 3,569 | 18.52 | |
Total votes | 19,268 | 100% | ||
Democratic (DFL) hold |
Personal life
Finke is openly transgender and the first openly transgender person to serve in the Minnesota Legislature.[5] She lives in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota, and has two children.[1][23]
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Finke, Leigh - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present". www.lrl.mn.gov. Archived from the original on 2023-02-28. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
- ^ "Rep. Leigh Finke (66A) - Minnesota House of Representatives". www.house.mn.gov. Archived from the original on 2023-02-28. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
- ^ a b Eidsvoog, Emma; Johnson, Makenzi (2021-03-23). "Places to breathe". bethelclarion.com. Archived from the original on 2022-11-13. Retrieved 2022-11-13.
- ^ a b c Bierschbach, Briana (August 10, 2022). "Leigh Finke poised to make history as Minnesota's first transgender legislator". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ a b c "Leigh Finke to become first transgender legislator in Minnesota House". www.cbsnews.com. 9 November 2022. Archived from the original on 2023-03-08. Retrieved 2022-11-13.
- ^ Stroozas, Sam (October 3, 2022). "Jensen spreads false rumor about Minnesota's LGBTQ+ youth". Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
- ^ a b c Olson, Rochelle (July 2, 2023). "Leigh Finke led expansion of Minnesota's transgender rights, endured attacks". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ a b Faircloth, Ryan (January 29, 2023). "Minnesota's LGBTQ lawmakers form Queer Caucus". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Stroozas, Sam (2023-01-17). "'Shaking things up': Minnesota's LGBTQ lawmakers see new strength at Capitol". MPR News. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ a b Faircloth, Ryan (February 20, 2023). "Minnesota House votes to ban conversion therapy for minors". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Van Berkel, Jessie (February 15, 2023). "Pence visits Minnesota, says parents' rights are being 'trampled'". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ a b Olson, Rochelle (May 18, 2023). "Legal experts say change to Minnesota Human Rights Act won't protect pedophiles". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Nesterak, Max (2023-02-23). "Democrats propose repealing law against knowingly exposing someone to HIV". Minnesota Reformer. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Waits, Kelsey (January 23, 2023). "OPINION EXCHANGE | The other refugee crisis: the flight of families with trans kids". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Wiley, Michelle; Ki, Nichole (2023-01-31). "MN bill aims to create legal refuge for trans youth". MPR News. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Ki, Nichole; Stroozas, Sam (2023-03-02). "What is gender-affirming health care? 'Trans refuge' bill would help kids get it". MPR News. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Griffith, Michelle (March 24, 2023). "House passes bill making Minnesota a refuge state for transgender people". Minnesota Reformer. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Bierschbach, Briana (March 8, 2023). "Gov. Tim Walz signs executive order protecting gender-affirming health care". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Ferguson, Dana (2023-03-08). "Walz moves to protect those seeking gender-affirming care". MPR News. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Bierschbach, Briana (March 24, 2023). "Minnesota House passes transgender refuge bill". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Ferguson, Dana (2023-03-24). "'You belong here': Minnesota House passes trans health refuge bill". MPR News. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Bierschbach, Briana (April 27, 2023). "New laws make Minnesota a 'refuge' for abortion, gender-affirming care". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ a b Connolly, Colleen (2022-06-28). "Q&A with Leigh Finke, who could be Minnesota's first out trans lawmaker". Minnesota Reformer. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Most, Becca (19 March 2023). "'Our movements for justice are lifelong': Meet Minnesota's first transgender legislator". St. Cloud Times. Archived from the original on 22 July 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
- ^ Gerezgiher, Feven (2023-06-24). "ChangeMakers: Leigh Finke helped make Minnesota a 'trans refuge' state". MPR News. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ "2022 Results for State Representative District 66A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Archived from the original on July 22, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
- ^ "2022 Results for State Representative District 66A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
External links
- Women state legislators in Minnesota
- Politicians from Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Living people
- Minnesota Democrats
- Transgender women politicians
- American transgender women
- American transgender politicians
- Bethel University (Minnesota) alumni
- DePaul University alumni
- 21st-century American women politicians
- 21st-century American LGBT people