Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz has been picked as running mate for Vice President Harris. Walz has transformed Minnesota into a haven for LGBTQ Americans, enacting legislation that protects access to gender-affirming health care, bans conversion therapy, and prohibits book bans based on LGBTQ themes in libraries. His leadership has cemented Minnesota’s status as a liberal stronghold in the Midwest, reinforcing his long-standing commitment to progressive causes.
Walz’s dedication to LGBTQ rights dates back to his time as a social studies teacher at Mankato West High School in 1999, where he advised the school’s first gay-straight alliance (GSA). In 2006, he was elected to Congress after defeating a Republican incumbent in a largely rural district, running on a platform that supported same-sex marriage, even when it was banned in Minnesota. His courage to stand up for LGBTQ rights, despite political risks, earned him praise from figures like Rep. Angie Craig, who credited Walz’s bravery with making a significant impact on Minnesotans’ lives.
In Congress, Walz championed the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” arguing that removing soldiers based on sexual orientation did not enhance national security. He also played a crucial role in passing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a landmark law signed by President Obama that targets crimes motivated by anti-LGBTQ animus. Walz was an early supporter of the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified the rights of same-sex and interracial couples to marry, a measure signed into law by President Biden in 2022.
“Tim, just as an individual, has had a long-standing commitment to inclusion as a general value,” said Kat Rohn, executive director of OutFront Minnesota, a state LGBTQ rights group. Rohn highlighted Walz’s role in banning conversion therapy in Minnesota and his potential to amplify LGBTQ voices, especially transgender voices, on a national scale. She emphasized the significance of having a vice president who is unapologetically supportive of the LGBTQ community.
As governor since 2019, Walz has prioritized LGBTQ rights. In March 2023, he issued an executive order protecting gender-affirming health care seekers and providers from prosecution by states with bans. He followed up by signing legislation that safeguards access to this care. At the signing ceremony, Walz stood alongside 12-year-old Hildie Edwards, a transgender girl who supported the state’s trans refuge bill, underscoring his commitment to the community.
Walz’s visible support for LGBTQ issues contrasts sharply with the Republican stance. Former President Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have endorsed policies that target transgender Americans, including laws that would restrict gender recognition and ban gender-affirming health care for minors. Walz’s approach, which celebrates rather than quietly acknowledges pro-LGBTQ legislation, has made him a favored ally among LGBTQ Americans.
Minnesota has become a refuge for transgender individuals nationwide, thanks to Walz’s leadership. Over 40,000 transgender and nonbinary Americans considered relocating due to anti-LGBTQ legislation, and 5% have already moved. Transgender Russian man Erik Beda relocated to Minneapolis after being forced to divorce following his transition. Walz’s compassionate response to such stories highlights his dedication to providing a safe haven for the LGBTQ community.
A Harris-Walz administration promises to continue the fight for LGBTQ rights at the national level.