Trigger Warning: This article includes discussion of political violence, targeted attacks, and murder. Please take care while reading.
A life cut short, a mission undimmed
Around 3 a.m. on June 14, a gunman disguised in a fake police uniform opened fire on the Brooklyn Park home of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, killing her and her husband, Mark. An hour earlier, he had also visited the home of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in neighboring Champlin, opening fire and severely wounding them. Thankfully, they will survive, according to officials. The suspect, 43-year-old Vance Boelter, left behind a manifesto that officials have said included a hit list of over 50 Democrats, abortion providers, and other political leaders. The authorities have chosen not to release the manifesto at this time but did specify that the shootings were ‘targeted political violence.’
The shock is national, but for queer Minnesotans, like me, the grief is deeply personal. We lost the lawmaker who was most responsible for turning Minnesota into a beacon of safety for LGBTQ people at a time when rights have been under siege elsewhere.
From suburban attorney to equality champion
Born in Fridley, MN, in 1970, Melissa Anne Haluptzok (later Hortman) won her first house race in 2004 and climbed her way up to the rank of Speaker of the House by 2019, the third woman ever to wield Minnesota’s gavel. A philosophy major turned civil rights lawyer, she brought the same courtroom tenacity to legislative fights.
Voting “No” before “Yes”: The Marriage Equality Era
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Melissa campaigned against the proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, barnstorming the state with the “Vote No” coalition. When voters rightfully defeated the amendment at the ballot box, she called it “Minnesota’s proudest night.”
On May 9, 2013, inside a packed House chamber and televised on local media, she cast one of the 75 “yes” votes on HF 1054 to legalize marriage equality to a gallery cheering in thunderous applause. I recall watching the moment from my campus apartment on my laptop and crying tears of happiness at what I just witnessed.
Wielding the gavel for progress
When the Democrats regained control of the Senate in 2022, Speaker Melissa Hortman made LGBTQ rights a top priority for their legislative agenda, and she worked tirelessly to prevent the bills from dying in committee. Among those bills was HF 16, a ban on conversion therapy for minors and adults, which passed 81-46. HF 173, the Equal Rights Amendment, which protects sexual and gender identity in the constitution, garnered a 72-60 vote but ultimately failed in the one-seat Democrat majority Senate before the session ended. Lastly, and most importantly for our community, HF 146, the “Trans Refuge Act,” blocks Minnesota courts and police from aiding states that criminalize gender-affirming care. She fast-tracked this bill through 10 different committees and successfully passed it into law with a vote of 68-62.
Even after stepping down to “Speaker Emerita,” Hortman whipped votes against every anti-trans bill proposed. On March 3, 2025, the GOP pushed a sports ban bill, HF 12, that failed by a single vote, hers. Moments before the tally flashed 67-66, she said, “No Minnesota child should have to defend their identity at the starting line.”
A beacon in the Upper Midwest
Minnesota is now one of only four states that shield gender-affirming care from prosecution by out-of-state authorities. In response to these legislative changes, the Mayo Clinic has reported a 23 percent increase in out-of-state trans patients since HF 146 took effect. The Human Rights Campaign, in their 2024 State Equality Index, listed Minnesota in the top tier for “working towards innovative equality” for the first time.
The assassination and what’s next
On Saturday that she was murdered, there was a plan, ‘No Kings’ An Indivisible protest was planned that Governor Tim Walz canceled out of caution as the suspect was still on the loose. The people of Minnesota did not receive that message, and officials say 80,000 people showed up to the protest, including myself. In what was supposed to be a protest against the Trump regime, it became, in many ways, a celebration of Melissa’s life. I saw many political signs in remembrance of her, denouncing the political violence that occurred, and there was a makeshift memorial at the Capitol steps for her. Inside the chambers, her colleagues placed flowers on her desk on the House floor. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed their deepest concerns about the tragedy, including current GOP House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
Carrying the torch
Melissa Hortman’s desk on the House floor is now draped in a rainbow of roses in her memory, transgender state rep. Leigh Finke described her as being “powerful,” “fierce,” “and the face of the work that we do.”
Hopefully, Melissa’s work and efforts on LGBTQ Rights will continue with the rise of one of her colleagues.
The Personal
I had the opportunity to meet Melissa Hortman last year, and she was very kind to me. I’ve heard many great stories about her from my friends in the political world. As a transgender Minnesotan, my heart is broken by this tragedy. In writing this, I wanted the transgender community to get to know who she was and understand her valiant efforts to fight on our behalf to make Minnesota a safe place for all transgender people.
Jenna Taylor holds degrees in Women’s Studies and Political Science and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA). As an intersectional trans feminist, Jenna’s work focuses on dismantling systemic barriers and advocating for gender justice. With a background as a political strategist and a sexual assault victim advocate, she brings a unique perspective to issues affecting marginalized communities.
