Tracker Pixel for Entry

​Rynn Willgohs 1972-2024

Live and Learn | October 13th, 2024

Rynn Willgohs

January 25, 1972-October 8, 2024

Rynn Azerial Willgohs, age 52, of Vantaa, Finland, died by suicide on October 8, 2024.

Rynn became her true-self March 31, 2020. She immediately became a vocal and involved activist in the Fargo-Moorhead community and beyond. She was an avid supporter of informed care. Rynn held positions on boards and panels that advocated for transgender rights and access to healthcare. She founded TRANSport, “a nonprofit organization dedicated to transporting at-risk transgender individuals outside of the United States of America into a more accepting world.”

She was paving the way by moving to Finland. It was important to Rynn to have the experience she was helping others to achieve, whether it was name change, transgender care, or seeking asylum. At the time of her death, she was working through the asylum and immigration process.

Rynn was a beloved community organizer, cherished friend, and inspiring leader to people around the world. She is survived by her chosen family, fellow activists, and supporters.

If you or someone you care about is having thoughts of suicide, please call or text the Suicide Life and Crisis Line 988. If you are in the local Fargo-Moorhead area, you can call 211 for a listening ear.

A celebration of her life, officiated by Rev. Karen Van Fossan, will be held for Rynn’s friends and loved ones this fall. The celebration will be intercultural and interfaith, including no faith, welcoming all traditions. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Project RAIIndigenous Association (of Fargo-Moorhead), FirstLink or the affirming organization of your choice.

Recently in:

Summer is a tough time for families who depend on free or reduced-price school meals, so YMCA of the Northern Sky will provide nutritious, no-cost meals to kids 18 and under through August 26. Breakfast and lunch are available…

By Jeff Armstrong Despite a history dating back many centuries and a reputation as fierce resistance fighters, the Kurds remain the largest stateless nation in the world. Divided by colonial post-WWI borders and subsumed into four…

June 6-7StatewideYou grab a line and I’ll grab a pole — and if you’re a North Dakota resident, you can head on down to your favorite fishing hole, no license needed (for this weekend, anyway). All other rules still apply…

By John Strand It took us over 30 years for us to reach out and ask for your help. The High Plains Reader has always been subscription free and paywall free. Our content has — and always will be — free to access for all of our…

By Ed RaymondCongratulations! A world record held by Trumplican Party and NRA!During the Minnesota Legislature’s discussion of gun controls, Republican State Senator Drew Roach of Farmington said he would never ban assault…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

July 8th, 5:30-8 p.m.Viking Ship Park, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead We’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday, Minnesota style. Moorhead Parks and Recreation and HCSCC are hosting the ultimate potluck. Whether you’re bringing…

Tuesday, June 30, 7 p.m.Parachigo, 14 8th St. S., Fargo Inspired by folk and rock influences, Bielanski's upbeat catchy tunes have gone worldwide — literally. He’s played 2,500 shows, 311 of which were performed last year alone.…

By Greg Carlson The feature directorial debut of established internet phenomenon and entertainment hyphenate Hayley Kiyoko — known unironically to her fans as “Lesbian Jesus” — carries with it a curious backstory becoming more…

By Jacinta Zens I recently sat down for a chat with ceramicist Louie Albertson, Clay and Studio Program Manager at the Plains Art Museum. Before the interview, I had the pleasure of getting to know him a bit as a colleague when I…

Saturday, January 31, 6:30-9 p.m.Transfiguration Fitness, 764 34th St. N., Unit P, FargoAn enchanting evening celebrating movement and creativity in a staff-student showcase. This is a family-friendly event showcasing pole, aerial…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

By Eli Liverani It was in the mid-90s when I heard of homeopathy for the first time. I was at university, and it was through word of mouth. Some friends were seeking homeopathy to solve minor health issues, such as weight gain,…

January 31, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Viking Ship Park, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead2026 marks 10 years of frosty fun! Enjoy sauna sessions with Log the Sauna, try Snowga (yoga in the snow), take a guided snowshoe nature hike, listen to live…

Chris M. Stoner I was recently dismissed from my role as drag show director and emcee for Dakota OutRight, a role I had been fulfilling for more than two decades. The reason given? My political commentary during shows, while…