Karen Clark, the longtime Minnesota state representative who became the first openly lesbian person elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, has died at the age of 80 after a brief illness.
Clark’s death was announced by her family and confirmed by leaders in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She passed away on June 30, prompting tributes from lawmakers, civil rights advocates and members of the LGBTQ community who praised her decades of public service and unwavering commitment to equality.
Known For:
- First openly lesbian member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
- Serving in the Minnesota House from 1981 to 2019.
- Sponsoring Minnesota’s 2013 same-sex marriage law.
- Championing affordable housing, healthcare, LGBTQ rights and social justice.
Legacy:
Karen Clark is remembered as a pioneering public servant who broke barriers for LGBTQ representation in American politics. Through nearly four decades in the Minnesota Legislature, she helped shape policies that expanded civil rights and improved the lives of countless Minnesotans. Her influence continues to be felt through the laws she championed and the generations of leaders she inspired.