ChangeMakers

ChangeMakers is a series from MPR News showcasing Minnesotans from diverse, often underrepresented backgrounds who are making an impact. Whether they’re making history or making a difference for just one person, these individuals are leaders building new futures for their communities. Scroll down to meet our ChangeMakers.

A woman holds a skateboard in front of a capitol building

Leigh Finke helped make Minnesota a 'trans refuge' state

June 24, 2023 4:00 AM

By Feven Gerezgiher

Finke, 41, made history last November when she won her election for the Minnesota House of Representatives, becoming the first openly transgender person to ever serve in the Minnesota Legislature.

A collage of trans and nonbinary ChangeMakers

13 trans and nonbinary people making an impact in the Twin Cities and beyond

July 7, 2023 4:00 AM

They’re pioneering gender-affirming health care, bringing trans and nonbinary representation to city and state government, paving the way for trans and nonbinary musicians and comedians, and more.

A woman in a glamorous black leather outfit poses

Care about punk music, trans history or both? You need to know Venus DeMars

June 30, 2023 4:00 AM

By Grace Birnstengel

DeMars, 63, formed her first band and came out as trans in the ‘80s. She’s full of stories and wisdom from more than three decades as an out trans rock star in Minnesota.

A person poses for a photo in an armchair

ChangeMakers: Jeong Eun Park’s cabaret troupe is by and for transgender people

June 29, 2023 4:00 AM

Park, 52, has made a career of an unlikely collection of skills: drag and therapy. The Minneapolis-based therapist not only provides relationship and family counseling, but also organizes the performing troupe Transcendence Cabaret.

A Black woman smiles for a portrait

ChangeMakers: Reneka Evans has dedicated her life to helping Black trans women

June 28, 2023 4:00 AM

By Michelle Wiley

Evans, 54, has been working in community health care in Minnesota for more than two decades. She currently works as the LGBTQ+ community lead for the Minnesota Department of Health as part of its COVID-19 community response.

A man smiles in a portrait

Aegor Ray advocates to decriminalize sex work in Minneapolis

June 22, 2023 4:00 AM

By Hibah Ansari

Ray, 30, campaigns to decriminalize sex work and to repeal Minneapolis’ loitering ordinance, which he said unfairly targets Black and brown people.

A person wearing a ceremonial vest poses in front of colorful murals

For two-spirit legislator Alicia Kozlowski, community is everything

June 21, 2023 4:00 AM

Kozlowski, 35, made history last fall when they became Minnesota’s first nonbinary legislator. Their path to office started with a running group for women and gender-expansive people called KwePack.

A person wearing a floral outfit poses on a stage

Jada Pulley makes space for LGBTQ+ performers

June 16, 2023 4:00 AM

By Alex Cipolle

Pulley, 28, is a nonbinary improv performer and theater artist, cofounder of the Queer and Funny Improv Festival, and a house manager for HUGE Improv Theater in Minneapolis.

A person sits for a photo in a cozy office

Seal Dwyer heals trauma, connects LGBTQ+ community in St. Cloud

June 14, 2023 4:00 AM

By Kirsti Marohn

Dwyer, 42, is a nonbinary licensed marriage and family therapist. As a fifth-generation Stearns County resident, they’re focused on supporting the growing LGBTQ+ community in St. Cloud.

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ChangeMakers: Cameron PajYeeb Yang is an activist for the Hmong community

June 12, 2023 4:00 AM

By Hibah Ansari

Cameron PajYeeb Yang is a queer, transgender, nonbinary Hmong activist working on issues from police use-of-force to gender-based violence in the Hmong community.