In this compelling interview, Dr. Alex Iantaffi interviews transgender pioneer and Minnesota State Representative Leigh Finke. They discuss cross-movement solidarity, the recent militarized occupation of Minnesota by ICE during Operation Metro Surge, the impact of the current political violence on trans communities, especially trans women, and on Leigh herself, and the importance of community organizing and political engagement in the fight for all our civil rights.

Leigh Finke is honored to serve as State Representative for District 66A. Prior to holding office she worked as a journalist, media creator, and documentary filmmaker. In 2022, she became the first out trans woman elected to the Minnesota Legislature. During her first two terms in office, Leigh has advocated for 2SLGBTQIA+ equality, abortion rights, prison justice, and environmental equity. She chairs the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus and serves as Co-Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee. In her personal time, Leigh enjoys writing, painting, traveling, skateboarding, and organizing community events, and exploring Minnesota’s parks with her kids.

A few invitations and takeaways from the episode:

• Cross-movement solidarity is essential because our liberation is tied to one another.
• Trans, Two-Spirit, nonbinary, and/or gender expansive people are part of and belong in all communities.
• Engage in local and state elections to support 2SLGBTQ+ rights.
• Build community networks for mutual support and safety.
• Advocate for policies that protect civil rights and gender-affirming care, especially for minors.
• Educate yourselves and others about the systemic nature of injustice and resistance.

Find out more about Leigh Finke at the following links:

https://www.leighformn.com/about

https://linktr.ee/leighformn24

https://www.instagram.com/leighformn/

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Hosted by Alex Iantaffi
Music by Maxwell von Raven
Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub