Gender Justice

Next Wednesday, December 4, 2024—a week from today—U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti, a case with enormous implications for healthcare for all. In this monumental case, families, doctors, and the United States government are asking the Supreme Court to strike down Tennessee’s ban on hormone therapy for transgender youth. RSVP to join us on Zoom that evening from 5:30-6:30 as our legal and policy experts analyze the arguments presented to the Supreme Court.

There's no point in sugarcoating it: a second Trump administration will be difficult. At the same time, there is still an administrative process for any changes to policy. “Don’t just assume your rights are gone, because that’s as good as them actually being gone,” reminds Gender Justice legal director Jess Braverman.

School administrators are rightfully worried. But "don’t assume that just because somebody tweets, you’re going to get your federal funding removed, that you have to immediately change your policies, or somebody’s going to come in the next day and remove federal funding,” says Christy Hall, Gender Justice Senior Staff Attorney. “There are enforcement mechanisms that the federal government must follow before it can do that.” Put another way, do not "overcomply," OutFront Minnesota's Kat Rohn advises.

Planning is essential. And we've been planning for this possibility for a long time. LGBTQ+ movement leaders are more prepared than ever to face off against a second Trump administration.

Abortion is legal under Minnesota law. “We’re going to do everything we can to keep it that way,” assures Jess Braverman, the legal director of Gender Justice. Braverman successfully argued the Gender Justice case Doe v. MN, which overturned five decades of abortion restrictions in the state back in 2022 just after the catastrophic Dobbs decision was announced. There are still many ways that the Trump administration could functionally ban abortion, or at least make it much, much more difficult for people to get the care they need, without instituting a federal ban — which we will fight every step of the way, with your help.

We had record attendance at our post-election briefing last week — if you missed the opportunity to participate, you can catch up on our podcast, available on our site and on your favorite podcast platforms.

We're so honored to be included in this roster of local organizations the Racket recommends! Our legal strategy is founded on the belief that NOW is the right time to fight for people’s rights. Every donation made to Gender Justice by Give to the Max Day on November 21, 2024 will be matched, one dollar for every $3 dollars donated—up to $10,000—thanks to supporter Terry Saario. (See the comments for the link to donate.)

We know there are many legal professionals in our network who are eager to be of assistance in the immediate aftermath of the election. One way you can help is to volunteer your services with the Volunteer Lawyers Network — Gender Justice board member CB Baga is leading efforts to help people get their identity documents in order and welcomes your assistance. See the text in this post from the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association for more information about getting involved.

In the wake of the 2024 election results, many people in the trans community are wondering if now is the time to update names and gender markers on key documents such as passports and driver’s licenses. As a new, hostile presidential administration comes in January, we took the opportunity to speak with Ash Tifa, a community organizer and advocate with a wealth of experience designing and leading name and gender marker change clinics in the Twin Cities. Listen to the latest episode of The Gender Justice Brief for her recommendations and resources.

We do not yet know exactly what a second Trump administration will bring, but if the past is prologue, we can expect increased funding for anti-abortion "crisis pregnancy centers" that serve as a pipeline to the domestic adoption industry. We do know that poverty is the overwhelmingly dominant driver of relinquishments. Dr. Gretchen Sisson will discuss her work on the topic of relinquishment with Gender Justice board member Joy Parker—an indigenous attorney and midwife—at our upcoming brunch on Dec 8 in Minneapolis. All attendees will receive a copy of the book, followed by two Zoom meetings with the author next year. There are still some tickets remaining!