The NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx have honored DFL state Rep. Leigh Finke for his “commitment in expanding protection for trans and LGTQ+ people of all ages.”
The team’s “inspiring women” award was given to Finke, a gender-confused man who believes he’s a woman, during this year’s “Pride Night” game on Thursday, June 22. The Lynx’s and the Timberwolves’ joint community outreach arm shared the announcement on Twitter.
As part of our Inspiring Women platform, MN House of Representatives @leighfinke was recognized for her commitment in expanding protection for trans and LGTQ+ people of all ages.
Congratulations to Leigh Finke for all your incredible work and accomplishments! pic.twitter.com/NOFCBqt878
— Timberwolves & Lynx Community Impact (@WolvesLynxCI) June 23, 2023
Finke, 41, assumed office in January and represents St. Paul’s district 66A in the state House, where Democrats hold a 70-64 majority.
Finke has been showered with accolades from left-wing groups for being the first “transgender” person elected to the Minnesota Legislature. USA Today named him the state’s “woman of the year” in March. Earlier this year, he was an outspoken advocate for HF 146, the so-called “trans refuge” bill signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz in April. The bill was strongly denounced by conservatives for subverting parental rights.
The “trans refuge” bill earned Finke Children’s Minnesota’s annual “Health Hero Award,” which is given to “legislators who champion child health issues at the Minnesota Capitol.”
During the Pride Night game, the Lynx’s Twitter account also shared an image of head coach Cheryl Reeve wearing a shirt that says “Protect Trans Kids.”
PROTECT TRANS KIDS. pic.twitter.com/3K8jxEayXh
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 23, 2023
Despite being founded more than 25 years ago, the WNBA, as of 2018, had never turned a profit, with some estimating that it loses on average $10 million per season.
The Lynx and Timberwolves also announced a $5,000 donation to the Minneapolis-based, pro-LGBT Family Tree Clinic. The clinic claims to provide “affordable and respectful health care and education for LGBTQ+ folks,” but its website indicates that it distributes harmful puberty-suppressing drugs and cross-sex hormones to minors.
The @minnesotalynx honored @FTClinic during Pride Night who help to provide affordable health care services to the LGBTQ+ community.
Thank you to Family Tree Clinic for all you do for our community! 💙💚 pic.twitter.com/UbOC5QJs4G
— Timberwolves & Lynx Community Impact (@WolvesLynxCI) June 23, 2023
We just want to share our deep appreciation to the @minnesotalynx for having us as the recipient of the community gift during today’s Pride Night game.
Thank you for your dedication to celebrating and advocating for our community. pic.twitter.com/26mbhS7e6K
— Family Tree Clinic (@FTClinic) June 23, 2023
Finke was profiled for Minnesota Public Radio on June 24. The outlet said it was interviewing him “in celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month.” Finke told MPR that he recently launched a nonprofit called the Queer Equity Institute to help LGBT people become leaders in politics, business, and other industries.
The Lynx are currently 4-9, putting them in 10th place out of the leagues’ 12 teams.
Stephen Kokx
Stephen Kokx, M.A., is a journalist for LifeSiteNews. He previously worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago under the late Francis Cardinal George. A former community college instructor, Stephen has written and spoken extensively about Catholic social teaching and politics. His essays have appeared in such outlets as Catholic Family News and CatholicVote.org.
