In a historic moment, a transgender lawmaker from Minnesota, Andrea Jenkins, has been named as one of the winners of the USA Today Women of the Year alongside former first lady Michelle Obama. Jenkins, who is the first African American transgender woman to be elected to public office in the United States, was recognized for her tireless efforts in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and for racial justice.
Jenkins has been a longtime advocate for transgender rights and has been instrumental in passing legislation to protect the rights of transgender individuals in Minnesota. She has also been at the forefront of advocating for racial justice, particularly in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
In response to the news of her selection as a Women of the Year, Jenkins expressed her gratitude and noted that the award was not just for her, but for all the transgender individuals who have fought for their rights. “This recognition is a reflection of the incredible work of so many trans activists and advocates who have worked tirelessly for our liberation,” she said.
Former first lady Michelle Obama, who was also named as a Women of the Year, was recognized for her ongoing efforts to promote education and for her work in empowering young women. Other notable winners included actress Regina King, who was recognized for her advocacy for social justice, and frontline healthcare workers who have been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19.
The Women of the Year award, which is now in its 38th year, is a celebration of women who have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, entertainment, business, and social justice. This year’s winners have all demonstrated a commitment to making the world a better place through their activism and advocacy.
As we continue to grapple with the challenges of a pandemic and a divided society, the recognition of women like Andrea Jenkins and Michelle Obama serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of continuing to fight for a more just and equitable world.
Who is Andrea Jenkins?
Andrea Jenkins is an American politician, writer, performance artist, poet, and transgender activist. She is known for being the first Black openly transgender woman elected to public office in the United States. She was elected to Minneapolis City Council in 2017 and has been serving as its president since January 2022
What are Andrea Jenkins’ achievements?
Early life and History
Andrea Jenkins was born in 1961 and raised in North Lawndale, Chicago. She grew up in a low-income, working-class community and lived in some pretty rough places. Jenkins was raised by a single mother, Shirley Green, who was very loving and very much concerned that her children get a good education.
Jenkins moved to Minneapolis in 1979 to attend the University of Minnesota. When she was young and still presenting as male, she participated in the Cub Scouts and played football at Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy. In her 20s, Jenkins came out as gay, married a woman, became a parent, and divorced. At 30, she began to outwardly present as female and returned to college to finish her bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University. She followed this by earning two master’s degrees–an MFA in creative writing from Hamline University and an MS in community economic development from Southern New Hampshire University. During which, Jenkins worked as a vocational counselor for the Hennepin County government. In 2018, Jenkins completed Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government as a David Bohnett LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership fellow.
Andrea Jenkins is an American politician, writer, performance artist, poet and transgender activist who has been serving as the Minneapolis City Council member for Ward 8 since January 2018. She is known for her work on social justice issues such as police reform and affordable housing. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the arts community in Minneapolis.
