Born: 1961 (North Lawndale, Chicago)
Biography:
Andrea Jenkins is an accomplished American politician, writer, performance artist, poet, and transgender activist. She made history as the first Black openly transgender woman elected to public office in the United States. Since January 2018, she has served on the Minneapolis City Council, and since January 2022, she holds the position of council president, making her a prominent figure in local governance.
Born on May 10, 1961, in North Lawndale, Chicago, Jenkins experienced a childhood shaped by a low-income, working-class community. Despite living in rough areas, she was fortunate to have a deeply loving and caring mother, Shirley Green, who instilled in her the importance of education. Jenkins has always recognized her mother’s unwavering commitment to providing her with a good education.
In her early years, Jenkins participated in activities typically associated with boys, such as being part of the Cub Scouts and playing football at Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy. However, her journey took a noteworthy turn when she moved to Minneapolis in 1979 to pursue higher education at the University of Minnesota. It was during this period that Jenkins began to embrace her identity and explore her sexuality. She came out as gay and eventually married a woman, with whom she became a parent. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce.
At the age of 30, Jenkins made the courageous decision to transition and embrace her true self. She embarked on a new chapter in her life, returning to college to complete her bachelor’s degree at Metropolitan State University. This milestone was followed 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. Alongside her studies, Jenkins worked as a vocational counselor for the Hennepin County government, where she honed her skills in assisting individuals with career development.
Jenkins’s career in local government began when she joined Robert Lilligren’s campaign for a seat on the Minneapolis City Council in 2001. Following his successful election, Jenkins became his principal executive assistant, solidifying her position within the political landscape. In 2005, after Elizabeth Glidden’s election, Jenkins transitioned to become one of her aides. Her wide-ranging network and expertise in transgender issues made her an invaluable asset to Glidden’s team. Notably, Jenkins secured a fellowship dedicated to transgender issues and played an integral role in establishing the Transgender Issues Work Group in 2014. Her efforts culminated in organizing a City Council summit on transgender equity, which aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by transgender individuals.
Jenkins’s commitment to public service and advocacy for transgender rights further propelled her career. As a member of the Minneapolis City Council, she has been a staunch advocate for social justice and equality. Her presence has ensured that marginalized communities have a voice in local governance. In recognition of her leadership and contributions, Jenkins completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2018 as a David Bohnett LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership fellow.
Undoubtedly, Andrea Jenkins has left an indelible mark on society. Her journey from a challenging upbringing to a trailblazing political figure serves as an inspiration to countless individuals. By fearlessly embracing her identity, she has played a pivotal role in advancing transgender visibility and rights, particularly for Black transgender women. Her accomplishments continue to pave the way for future generations, positioning her as a significant figure in both women’s history and the ongoing struggle for equality.