Children’s Minnesota is pleased to announce that Representative Leigh Finke is this year’s recipient of the Children’s Health Hero award. Children’s Minnesota presents the award annually to legislators who champion child health issues at the Minnesota Capitol.
Rep. Finke was the chief author of the House Trans Refuge Bill, which was recently signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz. The law protects access to gender affirming care for Minnesotans and for those traveling to Minnesota from other states. She also played a pivotal role in the passage and signing of a law banning the practice of conversion therapy for children and vulnerable adults.
“I am extremely honored to be presented the Health Hero Award from Children’s Minnesota. At a time when young children are exploring who they are, and where they fit in society, we need to advocate and fight for their right to discover those identities with dignity and compassion,” said Rep. Finke. It is my commitment to our LGBTQIA2S+ and gender-expansive children and youth that I will work with dedicated lawmakers and allies to create a better future for all of us. We will continue to persevere past the hate and perpetuation of violence to fight for our equal right to love our partners openly, live authentically, and be unapologetic about who we are. It is not enough to just exist, we deserve to live, love, and experience the joys of resistance and life.”
