Saint Paul, MN – The Minnesota House DFL Queer Caucus (Queer Caucus) has officially formed in advance of the 2023 legislative session. Members of the Queer Caucus have elected Representative-elect Leigh Finke (DFL-66A) to serve as Chair and Representative-elect Brion Curran (DFL-36B) as Vice Chair.
“I am grateful for this chance to lead, especially at such an important moment for the Queer community in Minnesota,” said Finke. “We face serious challenges right now, but there’s an undeniable excitement going into the 2023 session. We’re excited to have a chance to shape the agenda going forward.”
This is the first LGBTQ2S+ based Caucus formed in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and it comes at a historic moment for Queer representation in the state. The Minnesota Legislature saw the election of the first non-binary lawmaker, Representative-elect Alicia Kozlowski, the first transgender lawmaker, Representative-elect Leigh Finke, and a record number of LGBTQ2S+ candidates elected to serve.
This success was mirrored around the nation, in what LGBTQ Victory Fund described as a rainbow wave.
“The formation of the first MN House DFL Queer Caucus is an incredibly powerful piece of history and I'm honored to be part of it as Vice Chair,” said Rep. Curran. “Attacks on the LGBTQ2S+ community, both in public spaces and in legislatures across the country, have highlighted the importance of banding together against hatred.”
The Queer Caucus is entering the 2023 legislative session with a robust agenda that is centered around healthcare access, equity in the law, and protecting the LGBTQ2S+ community from violence. Among the initiatives that the Queer Caucus will advocate for are:
- Protecting LGBTQ2S+ families from discriminatory laws and practices
- Ensuring access to reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare
- Placing a ban on harmful practices like conversion therapy
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