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ChangeMakers

A logo that reads 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.

Andrew Start’s journey in policy change is just beginning

Andrew Start’s journey in policy change is just beginning

Between volunteering with the Plymouth Fire Department, playing baseball and learning guitar, 21-year-old Andrew Start has been training to advocate for himself and others with Down syndrome.
by Alanna Elder

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‘Tangled’: Madison Rubenstein paints what it feels like to live with invisible illness

‘Tangled’: Madison Rubenstein paints what it feels like to live with invisible illness

Madison Rubenstein, a painter and visual artist from Bloomington, creates large-format paintings in their Minneapolis studio, drawing on experiences of chronic illness and disability.
by Alex V. Cipolle

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

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

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.
by Kaila White

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

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

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.
by Grace Birnstengel

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

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

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.
by Jacob Aloi

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

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

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.
by Michelle Wiley

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Leigh Finke helped make Minnesota a 'trans refuge' state

Leigh Finke helped make Minnesota a 'trans refuge' state

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.
by Feven Gerezgiher

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