#outfrontmn

The next post in my #thewomxnwhoinspireme series is the incomparable Diana Chao. Here is why she inspires me:

Diana is a New York City-based animator and motion graphics designer. She is one of the most talented, versatile, enthusiastic and hard-working artists I know. Some of her past clients include Michael Kors, Clinique, NBC Sports, Sports Illustrated, Vice Magazine, Hypebeast Walmart Africa, and work on a Bill Plympton animated feature film. Not only ambitious, but also successful in the demanding field of animation, Diana is a huge inspiration for me as a peer, and more specifically as someone who juggles a day job with creative work, and is able to find the patience and persistence to work in order to make time for the more important things in life.

I attended and worked at MCAD with Diana, and was in similar circles, but I dont think it was until Diana was living in New York that we truly began to become friends. She is so open, hilarious, inviting, and endlessly fun! She invited me to stay with her and showed me around Chinatown, and where to get the best soup dumplings ever! I will never forget her kindness, her effortless cool, and her ability to just hang out. 

Along with this post, I will be donating money to OutFront Minnesota. OutFront Minnesota is a community-based organization whose mission is to create a state where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are free to be who they are, love who they love, and live without fear of violence, harassment or discrimination. Please consider joining me, especially during this crucial giving season, and stay tuned for my next installment!

ACLU, Outfront MN Sues State of Minnesota for Transgender Services

The ACLU and the ACLU of Minnesota, along with Outfront Minnesota and Evan Tysilio Thomas filed a lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Human Services last week challenging the coverage ban on transition related surgery for transgender people on Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, Minnesota’s health care system.

According to the ACLU, “Minnesota’s Medical Assistance program provides…

MN GOP Assault Continues on Transgender Youth

December 4th 2014 meeting of the Minnesota State High School League board. Star Tribune

Two house bills HF 1546 and 1547 were introduced in the Minnesota State House of Representatives this week; both are companion bills to the Senate bill SF 1543 introduced on Monday. Collectively, the House File bills have 19 Republican co-authors.

Both house file bills will again attempt to codify into law…