What: Quatrefoil library presents “An Evening with Andrea Jenkins”
When: 7 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2018
Where: PLEASE NOTE VENUE CHANGE–In the Heart of the Beast theater, 1500 E. Lake St., Mpls.
Tickets: Free

Andrea Jenkins, a writer, performance artist and transgender activist, made history in November when she was elected (by a robust majority) to represent Ward 8 on the Minneapolis City Council. She became the first African American openly trans woman to be elected to office in the United States.

Quatrefoil will present “An Evening with Andrea Jenkins” at In the Heart of the Beast theater at 7 p.m. Monday, May 14. The theater is two blocks east of Quatrefoil on Lake Street. Free parking is available in a lot directly north of the theater, accessible via 15h Av. S.

In what promises to be a spirited evening, Jenkins will talk about life, politics and poetry, followed by audience questions. A reception at Quatrefoil (1220 E. Lake St.) will follow immediately.

Jenkins will sign copies of “The T Is Not Silent.” Talking about her 2015 book of poems, Jenkins said: “Visibility in the Trans community is increasing dramatically. Ultimately, this book is an effort to create understanding and awareness of a marginalized community. A community that is invisible to most and vilified by some. A community that is traumatized by the constant threat of violence as well as unemployment, housing instability, and discrimination in multiple areas of social and economic life. A community that is also creative, beautiful, and resilient.”

Jenkins moved to Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota in 1979 and worked for Hennepin County for 10 years. Jenkins was a staff member on the Minneapolis City Council for 12 years before beginning work as curator of the Transgender Oral History Project at the University of Minnesota’s Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies. 

Andrea holds a Masters Degree in Community Development from Southern New Hampshire University, a MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University and a Bachelors Degrees in Human Services from Metropolitan State University. She won a 2011 Bush Fellowship to advance the work of transgender inclusion, and she has won numerous awards and fellowships.

The all-volunteer, donor-supported Quatrefoil is one of the nation’s oldest and biggest LGBTQ lending libraries, and also provides meeting space for myriad Twin Cities groups. It regularly hosts poetry readings, panels and book launches. It is open 7 days per week throughout the year. Follow Quatrefoil on Facebook, or go to qlibrary.org to browse the catalog or for more information, including information on how to become a volunteer.