SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The 2023 legislative session adjourned on Monday after enacting a new two-year state budget. The state budget includes several bills carried out by Minnesota House Queer Caucus members.
Members of the Minnesota House Queer Caucus issued the following statement:
“As the first Queer Caucus at the Minnesota Legislature, we were adamant on affirming the identities of our first ever Trans woman and non-binary legislators. We have a massive responsibility to our LGBTQIA2S+ communities and their families to ensure we make our state a place of refuge and protection against the rise of hateful legislation from extremist Republicans across the country. Throughout the session, we made it clear that we would not engage in any debates on our right to exist and live. We worked diligently to ensure Governor Walz signed the executive order for Trans Refuge and were relentless all session ensuring it became law. Another major celebration to note is our fight to invest $2 million in grant funding for gender-inclusive school restrooms.
The Queer Caucus’ ‘gay agenda’ is to ensure every Minnesotan has access to affordable housing, emergency shelter support, healthcare, and environmental/climate resources. Our resilience and tenacity for queer liberation are in large part thanks to the unwavering support of community leaders, advocates, and youth.
We are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans. We will continue to work together and in solidarity with our allies to protect all Minnesotans, so, they can live openly without discrimination and embrace their human rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.”
