Minnesota Now

Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20 honors the memory of those killed in acts of anti-transgender violence worldwide. That violence is an increasing problem in the U.S., where 57 transgender people died by homicide in 2021, a record. Many were women of color.

“This is a hard week for many trans folks because that violence brings an increased visibility. They are often very afraid for young people, and that fear is not unfounded,” Alex Iantaffi, a Minneapolis family therapist who works with transgender people, told MPR News host Cathy Wurzer Thursday.

“It is a tender conversation about holding space and support for people to process the impact of systemic violence, as well as to be reminded that as a community, we also have beauty, resiliency and mutual support.”

According to the LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD, the day of remembrance began in 1999 as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in Boston in 1998.

While there are a few local events scheduled in Minnesota, Iantaffi said the day can also be celebrated alone, honoring those lost.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. 

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Several key members of Gov. Tim Walz’s cabinet are stepping aside, including Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm.

Malcolm says she plans to retire after a long career in public service.

She spoke with MPR News reporter Catharine Richert about her tenure and future plans.

Vikings fans can’t wipe the smile off their faces after last Sunday’s win. And how are the Gophers looking ahead of this weekend’s game against Iowa?

Cathy Wurzer talked with our sports guys Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson about all that and more.

Nurses from across Minnesota have just announced a plan to hold another strike vote. We’ll get the details.

The state’s health commissioner Jan Malcolm is retiring. We'll hear from her, too.

A new book of photographs and essays from a world traveler may open your eyes. We'll talk with the Minnesota woman behind that new book.

The legalization of THC and, potentially, recreational marijuana has many concerned about how to keep people safe. We'll hear about efforts to communicate those concerns to lawmakers.

In the lead up to Trans Remembrance Day we hear about efforts to keep trans people safe from targeted attacks.

And all the latest sports news with Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson.

The union that includes 15,000 Minnesota nurses have just announced they will hold a vote on whether to strike — again. They made the announcement at a news conference this morning.

This announcement comes a few months after the nurses had a three-day walkout from hospitals across the state.

Host Cathy Wurzer talked to MPR News health reporter Michele Wiley about the details.

When she was growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, Gail Shore didn’t have any particular big dreams about the future. There weren’t a lot of opportunities for women back then.

That all changed after her first trip overseas. Over the past five decades, Shore has traveled to nearly 100 countries - experiencing different cultures and taking pictures.

Her new book, “Opening My Cultural Lens,” shares photographs and memories from her travels over the years. She spoke with host Cathy Wurzer about what she’s learned from 50 years of travel.

Some of Gov. Tim Walz's key cabinet members won't be back with him for a second term. Walz said Wednesday that Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington and Education Commissioner Heather Mueller have decided to leave their positions. So has Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board Commissioner Mark Phillips. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.  

Host Cathy Wurzer talks with Ellen Stanley, musician and host of KFAI’s show "Womenfolk” about music, her 20 year run on the radio and the event celebrating it all happening on November 20th at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis.

Mother Nature is always full of surprises here in Minnesota. We’ve gone from above average temps to below average temps with lots and lots and lots of snow! What's in store next? Cathy Wurzer ask MPR Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner.

Cathy Wurzer talks with filmmaker Leah Hale about her award winning documentary film “Bring her Home” about the work to highlight the need to address missing and murdered Indigenous women. It's being re-released on Twin Cities PBS later this month.