The City of Minneapolis has confirmed the return of the annual Trans Equity Summit, slated for August 11 at the McNamara Alumni Center. This year's iteration, themed "Trans Equity and Intergenerational Power: Strengthening the Future by Honoring Our Past," is set to foster a dialogue on transgender rights, which Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized are facing challenges nationally. "In a time when transgender rights are once again under attack at the national level, we remain unwavering in our commitment to making Minneapolis a safe haven for trans people and gender-affirming care," Frey said in a statement. "We’re committed to advancing equity, not just in words, but in actions. The Trans Equity Summit is one way we bring that commitment to life—by listening, learning, and building power together."
The free all-day event is a product of collaboration between the city and community stakeholders. It aims to address social, legal, and health issues pertinent to the trans and gender non-conforming community. Attendees can look forward to breakout sessions, a job and resource fair, and healing offerings. The summit announcement coincided with the Minneapolis City Council's resolution to honor International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31.
Minneapolis City Council Member Andrea Jenkins, a proponent for the rights and well-being of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, highlighted the significance of the summit in a recent council resolution. "The Trans Equity Summit is a unique opportunity to bring together transgender and gender non-conforming residents of Minneapolis and surrounding communities for the purpose of identifying and learning about city resources and services," Jenkins stated. "The summit creates a welcoming and affirming space for community to gather, support each other and grow."
With attacks on the transgender community, especially youth, escalating since January 20th, Jenkins stressed the city's affirmation of their rights. "Since Jan. 20th, the transgender and gender non-conforming community has been under unprecedented attacks, particularly trans youth. I want the community to know that the City of Minneapolis affirms their right to exist, free from discrimination, harassment and violence. We exist and will not be erased," Jenkins said. Businesses or organizations interested in participating in the Trans Equity Summit can reach out via email to [email protected] for more information and opportunities for involvement.
