Karen Clark: Minnesota’s Trailblazing LGBTQ Legislator | Minneapolis News

Minnesota lost a true pioneer this week: Karen Clark, the state’s first openly lesbian legislator and its longest-serving LGBTQ+ state lawmaker, passed away at 80. A tireless advocate for civil rights, she helped legalize same-sex marriage in Minnesota and expanded protections against discrimination in housing, jobs, and schools. Her work extended beyond LGBTQ+ issues—she championed environmental justice, healthcare access, and affordable housing, including backing the East Phillips Roof Depot project. For 35 years, she stood beside her beloved partner, Jacquelyn Zita, whose love story embodied the equality she fought for. Clark’s legacy is one of unwavering courage and lifelong service to all Minnesotans. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0087c104ec921371