When bills to ban gender-affirming care for youth and adults were introduced in Texas last summer, Charley and his partner knew it was time to leave.

His move to Minnesota didn’t feel like moving in the traditional sense. It felt like fleeing. 

“It was pretty clear that if that didn’t pass something else would,” said Charley, who is transgender. “We just needed to get out.”

Even the mere introduction of legislation caused some medical providers in Texas to preemptively cease offering care.

MPR News agreed to identify Charley by first name only because he works as a graduate student at a university in Texas and fears possible workplace repercussions while completing his studies.

The couple put a list together of all the states that had passed protections for LGBTQ+ people. Then they looked at each state’s cost of living and different employment opportunities. Minnesota came out on top. 

Just over a year ago, Minnesota became a legal refuge for transgender people after the Legislature passed a law cementing protections for trans people and those who offer gender-affirming care. 

The move was aimed at countering efforts by dozens of conservative-led states that restricted access to care or banned it all together. 

KFF, an independent health care policy tracking organization, reports that 24 states have limited access to the services for minors and 22 impose penalties for physicians that provide it. In the Midwest, Minnesota became an island for gender-affirming care. Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota have enacted bans on care for youth. 

The bans have spurred people like Charley to uproot their lives and move to Minnesota. And he’s not alone.

Between July 2023 and March 2024, the pro-LGBTQ+ group called PFund said 231 people filled out a survey indicating that they have moved or are in the process of moving to Minnesota. But PFund notes that the number is likely higher.

Executive Director Aaron Zimmerman said it’s not easy to gather data at a large scale in this space. Some families and people moving to Minnesota for care might not need resources, ask for community support or seek out PFund as a resource. 

Democrats who put forward and passed the legal changes in St. Paul said the numbers show the law has worked in bringing more people to Minnesota. But now, they say, the state needs to do more to offer communities for those who make the move.

Conservatives, meanwhile, said the step went too far and has tarnished the state’s reputation.

Demand for services grows

This increase in trans people and families in the state has caused a strain on the healthcare system and the providers that treat them. Children’s Minnesota saw a 30 percent increase in calls to the Gender Health Program in early 2023 as surrounding states began to ban gender-affirming care. 

Before the Trans Refuge Law was passed, the waiting list for the Gender Health Program was over a year long. Dr. Angela Kade Goepferd, the program’s executive director, has only watched it grow. 

“Our arms are already incredibly full,” Goepferd said earlier this year. “Our team at Children’s Minnesota and our colleagues in the Twin Cities who specialize in this essential health care are outmatched by the demand.”

Children’s Minnesota has hired two new clinicians as a part of the Gender Health Program to keep up with demand. The clinic now has six doctors. While interviewing candidates, at least half of the candidates were medical or mental health professionals looking to relocate to Minnesota from states where gender-affirming care bans for youth were in place.

“With essential health care for trans and gender diverse kids, nothing’s new,” Goepferd said. “We’ve been providing this care for decades, we’ve been using the same medications for decades, we’ve been following international guidelines that are now in their eighth revision and initially came out in the ‘70s. So this is not new care. The only thing that’s new about it is the controversy.”

Goepferd said misinformation surrounding gender-affirming care has been harmful and confusing for families with transgender youth. Transgender youth who are the targets of violence or harassment experience a negative impact on their mental health. The current political landscape has also made it more difficult for doctors like Goepfered to do their jobs. 

“These are kids and families that are coming to us experiencing trauma,” Goepferd said. “We as a health care team are also experiencing trauma because we are personally targeted at times … we are a healthcare team that’s under stress, treating patients and families that are under stress and trauma.”

Gopeferd said the hope is that state lawmakers will pass funding to provide more resources for physicians and providers delivering care to transgender youth and adults.

‘Minnesota Transplants’ takes off

As Charley’s moving truck pulled up to his new home in St. Louis Park last August, he felt instant relief.

“It was really good to pull the Penske up into our neighborhood and already see the progress flags. That’s not something that I saw a lot in Texas, at least not in a suburban area,” he said. “Then just the feeling that winter was coming and the temperature was dropping. I got really excited because it was confirmation that I wasn’t in Texas anymore.”

His second emotion that would plague the next few months in his new home: loneliness.

“It felt like my partner and I were on our own little island,” Charley said. “There’s this whole community around us that we just sort of crash landed into, which was a really weird feeling.”

He began looking on local social media pages to try and find a social group to join. But there wasn’t a group in the Twin Cities dedicated to trans individuals who had moved to Minnesota.

So in January, Charley made his own. The Minnesota Transplants group offers a social network for new Minnesotans who are fleeing states that banned gender-affirming care — members of the group help each other move into their new homes and organize outings to explore their new city. 

In four months, the group has grown to 40 members. They come from all over the country — many from Texas and Florida, Iowa and Wisconsin, even some from Alaska. 

“Part of the goal of the group is to get people some kind of social life when they get here,” he said. “The shared understanding that we all have to be there for each other has been overwhelming, in a positive way.”

A new Capitol push

Rep. Leigh Finke, DFL-St. Paul, is the first openly trans lawmaker in the Minnesota Legislature and drove the trans refuge bill in the 2023 session. She is proud of the strides taken last year.

“So what we have done in Minnesota to make moves towards protection has really resounded,” Finke said. “Many people have come, organizations have built coalition’s around how we are going to support the community that’s already here, and the community that’s coming.”

But, Finke said, lawmakers have work left to do this year. 

She said lawmakers should approve grant funding to help LGBTQ+ people and gender care providers relocate to Minnesota, along with other policy changes.

She’s also backing a constitutional equal rights amendment that guarantees access to gender affirming care and a bill that would mandate that insurance companies cover the cost, as well as a bill that would prohibit school boards or local governments from banning the display of rainbow flags.

“We can’t just pass the trans refuge bill and then think that we’re done,” Finke said. “We need to expand health care options, we need to make our schools safer, we need to do so much work to protect those people.”

While DFL majorities at the Capitol have advanced those proposals, they could be stymied by the arrest of Sen. Nicole Mitchell. Democrats hold a one-vote lead in the Senate and the policies could stall out if she resigns or is somehow barred from voting.

Conservative groups and Republicans at the Capitol have raised concerns about the policy change and the efforts to brand Minnesota a destination state for gender-affirming care. 

“Forcing all insurers to pay for this is misguided and forcing all taxpayers to pay for so-called gender-affirming care is coercion,” said Rebecca Delahunt of Minnesota Family Council. “Children cannot give informed consent on treatment that alters or potentially changes their reproductive health.”

GOP lawmakers said they worry about how people elsewhere would perceive Minnesota after passing the trans refuge law and protections for those seeking abortions.

“I’m very saddened by what has been going on in our state Legislature here as of late turning Minnesota into a destination state for death or mutilation,” Rep. Matt Grossell, R-Clearbrook, said. “That is not the that is not the kind of reputation you want.”

While those comments or concerns permeate the national dialogue around gender-affirming care for transgender and gender diverse people, they don’t square with reality, physicians said.

Major medical associations support gender-affirming care and note it improves mental health outcomes in the short and long term. Providers also note that only in rare instances do transgender people under age 18 qualify for surgical treatments.

Settled in

Charley has lived in Minnesota for less than a year, but he already knows he wants to stay. 

“This is a wonderful place to live. I’ve never felt like I could be more myself,” Charley said.

Charley has been talking with people across the country who want to form Transplants chapters in other states that have enacted laws similar to Minnesota’s trans refuge law. He wants to help create a blueprint for new chapters.

Colorado, Illinois, Maryland and New Mexico have all passed bills designed to shield transgender health care through legal protections, health care coverage and access. 

He hopes one day there will be enough resources available for transgender people moving to Minnesota that the Transplants group does not have to exist. 

Until then, he said the Transplants group will be ready to welcome them with open arms.

After the birth of his child, Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert was doing all he could to be available for Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets. While it was looking like a possibility that Gobert would make it to the arena in time to play, the Defensive Player of the Year finalist has officially been ruled out. 

This is a massive loss for Minnesota, as Gobert is pivotal to what they do on the defensive end. One of the greatest rim protectors of all time, Gobert is a complete defensive system himself. Anchoring Minnesota on that end all season, Gobert is one of the biggest reasons this Timberwolves team has taken such a big leap forward, and is also one of the biggest reasons they believe this team is a true championship contender. 

While it fortunately seems like this will just be a one game absence for Gobert, it is a very big loss for Minnesota in this Game 2. Looking to take a 2-0 lead over the defending champions, Minnesota will have to do so without their starting center and defensive anchor. Minnesota did well to win Game 1, and will look for a way to get Game 2 without Gobert.

In the absence of Gobert, Minnesota will need several different players to step up on the defensive end and on the glass. There is no way to completely make up for Gobert‘s production, but Minnesota remains confident in the group they have out there. 

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The 2024 NBA conference semifinals are in full swing as the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets meet again this evening. The second game of the teams’ semifinals series gives the Nuggets a chance to tie up the series. 

Keep reading for everything you need to know to watch tonight’s Timberwolves vs. Nuggets game even if you don’t have cable.

How and when to watch the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets game

Game 2 of the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets NBA Playoffs series will be played on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 10:00 p.m ET (7:00 p.m. PT). The game will air on TNT and stream on Sling TV and the platforms featured below.

How to watch the Timberwolves vs. Nuggets game without cable

If your cable subscription doesn’t carry TNT or you’ve cut the cord with your cable company, you can still watch today’s game. Below are the platforms on which you can watch today’s game live. 

Save $25 on Sling TV: The most cost-effective way to stream the Timberwolves vs. Nuggets game

One of the most cost-effective ways to stream today’s NBA playoff game is through a subscription to Sling TV. To watch today’s game, you’ll need a subscription to the Orange tier, which includes TNT and ESPN. For access to more NBA playoff games, upgrade to the Orange + Blue tier (recommended), which includes the games played on ABC.

The Orange tier is normally $40 per month, but Sling TV has an offer for new subscribers where you can get your first month for $15. The Orange + Blue tier costs $35 for your first month, and $60 per month after that. There’s also an NBA playoffs package deal where you can save $30 when you pre-pay for three months of service on any tier. You can cancel anytime.

Note: Because Sling TV doesn’t carry CBS, you won’t be able to watch CBS-aired live sports, including the NFL. If you’re looking for one live TV streaming platform to watch all your favorite sports, we suggest a subscription to Hulu + Live TV. 

Top features of Sling TV Orange + Blue tier:

• There are 46 channels to watch in total, including ABC, ESPN and TNT.
• You get access to NFL games airing on ESPN next season at the lowest price.
• All subscription tiers include 50 hours of cloud-based DVR storage.

Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle: Watch the Timberwolves vs. Nuggets game live for free

You can watch today’s game with the Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle. The bundle features 95 channels, including ABC, TNT, local network affiliates and ESPN. It also includes the ESPN+ streaming service. Unlimited DVR storage is also included. Watch today’s game, the 2024 NBA playoffs, MLB this season and network-aired NFL games next season with Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle.

Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+. It’s priced at $77 per month after a three-day free trial.

The best place to get NBA Playoffs fan gear: Fanatics

Rooting from home is more fun while repping your team with the latest NBA fan gear. Fanatics is our first stop for the newest NBA fan gear, our go-to for the latest drop of NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals merch like jerseys, commemorative T-shirts, hats and more. Fanatics also has just-released NFL Draft jerseys, like No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams’ new Chicago Bears jersey.

2024 NBA Playoffs: Full playoff schedule

The conference semifinals is a best-of-seven series beginning on May 4, 2024. All times Eastern.

(1) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

• Game 1: Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Tuesday, May 7 (7 ET, TNT)
• Game 2: Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Thursday, May 9 (7 ET, ESPN)
• Game 3: Celtics vs. Cavaliers, Saturday, May 11 (8:30 ET, ABC)
• Game 4: Celtics vs. Cavaliers, Monday, May 13 (7 ET, TNT)
• Game 5: Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Wednesday, May 15 (TBD, TNT) *
• Game 6: Celtics vs. Cavaliers, Friday, May 17 (TBD, ESPN) *
• Game 7: Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Sunday, May 19 (TBD, TBD) *
Series tied 0-0

* = If necessary

(2) New York vs. (6) Indiana

• Game 1: Pacers vs. Knicks, Monday, May 6 (7:30 ET, TNT)
• Game 2: Pacers vs. Knicks, Wednesday, May 8 (8 ET, TNT)
• Game 3: Knicks vs. Pacers, Friday, May 10 (7 ET, ESPN)
• Game 4: Knicks vs. Pacers, Sunday, May 12 (3:30 ET, ABC)
• Game 5: Pacers vs. Knicks, Tuesday, May 14 (TBD, TNT) *
• Game 6: Knicks vs. Pacers, Friday, May 17 (TBD, ESPN) *
• Game 7: Pacers vs. Knicks, Sunday, May 19 (TBD, TBD) *
Series tied 0-0

* = If necessary

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City vs. (5) Dallas

• Game 1: Mavericks vs. Thunder, Tuesday, May 7 (9:30 ET, TNT)
• Game 2: Mavericks vs. Thunder, Thursday, May 9 (9:30 ET, ESPN)
• Game 3: Thunder vs. Mavericks, Saturday, May 11 (3:30 ET, ABC)
• Game 4: Thunder vs. Mavericks, Monday, May 13 (9:30 ET, TNT)
• Game 5: Mavericks vs. Thunder, Wednesday, May 15 (TBD, TNT) *
• Game 6: Thunder vs. Mavericks, Saturday, May 18 (8:30 ET, ESPN) *
• Game 7: Mavericks vs. Thunder, Monday, May 20 (8:30 ET, TNT) *
Series tied 0-0

* = If necessary

(2) Denver vs. (3) Minnesota

• Game 1: Timberwolves 106, Nuggets 99
• Game 2: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets, Monday, May 6 (10 ET, TNT)
• Game 3: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, Friday, May 10 (9:30 ET, ESPN)
• Game 4: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, Sunday, May 12 (8 ET, TNT)
• Game 5: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets, Tuesday, May 14 (TBD, TNT) *
• Game 6: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, Thursday, May 16 (8:30, ESPN) *
• Game 7: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets, Sunday, May 19 (TBD, TBD) *

Minnesota leads series 1-0

* = If necessary

First round results

Below are the results from the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Miami Heat

• Game 1: Celtics 114, Heat 94
• Game 2: Heat 111, Celtics 101
• Game 3: Celtics 104, Heat 84
• Game 4: Celtics 102, Heat 88
• Game 5: Celtics 118, Heat 84

(2) New York Knicks vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers

• Game 1: Knicks 111, 76ers 104
• Game 2: Knicks 104, 76ers 101
• Game 3: 76ers 125, Knicks 114
• Game 4: Knicks 97, 76ers 92
• Game 5: 76ers 112, Knicks 106 (OT)
• Game 6: Knicks 118, 76ers 115

(3) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (6) Indiana Pacers

• Game 1: Bucks 109, Pacers 94
• Game 2: Pacers 125, Bucks 108
• Game 3: Pacers 121, Bucks 118
• Game 4: Pacers 126, Bucks 113
• Game 5: Bucks 115, Pacers 92
• Game 6: Pacers 120, Bucks 98 

(4) Cleveland vs. (5) Orlando

• Game 1: Cavaliers 97, Magic 83
• Game 2: Cavaliers 96, Magic 86
• Game 3: Magic 121, Cavaliers 83
• Game 4: Magic 112, Cavaliers 89
• Game 5: Cavaliers 104, Magic 103
• Game 6: Magic 103, Cavaliers 96 
• Game 7: Cavaliers 106, Magic 94

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) New Orleans Pelicans

• Game 1: Thunder 94, Pelicans 92
• Game 2: Thunder 124, Pelicans 92
• Game 3: Thunder 106, Pelicans 85
• Game 4: Thunder 97, Pelicans 89

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) Los Angeles Lakers

• Game 1: Nuggets 114, Lakers 103
• Game 2: Nuggets 101, Lakers 99
• Game 3: Nuggets 112, Lakers 105
• Game 4: Lakers 119, Nuggets 108
• Game 5: Nuggets 108, Lakers 106

(3) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (6) Phoenix Suns

• Game 1: Timberwolves 120, Suns 95
• Game 2: Timberwolves 105, Suns 93
• Game 3: Timberwolves 129, Suns 109
• Game 4: Timberwolves 112, Suns 116

(4) LA Clippers vs. (5) Dallas Mavericks

• Game 1: Clippers 109, Mavericks 97
• Game 2: Mavericks 96, Clippers 93
• Game 3: Mavericks 101, Clippers 90
• Game 4: Clippers 116, Mavericks 111
• Game 5: Mavericks 123, Clippers 93
• Game 6: Mavericks 114, Mavericks 101

Conference finals schedule

The conference finals will begin May 21-22, but can move up to May 19-20 if the prior round’s series ends early.

NBA Finals schedule

The 2024 NBA Finals will begin June 6, airing on ABC.

• Sunday, June 9: Game 2
• Wednesday, June 12: Game 3
• Friday, June 14: Game 4
• Monday, June 17: Game 5 (if necessary)
• Thursday, June 20: Game 6 (if necessary)
• Sunday, June 23: Game 7 (if necessary)